Vintage dessert set by Jean-Claude Chauray for Maison Bernardaud, France 1994

Dessert service composed of four small plates of 19.5 cm in diameter and one large plate of 36 cm in diameter, in Bernardaud porcelain of Limoges, decorated with fruit still lifes by the artist Jean-Claude Chauray.Jean-Claude Chauray (1934-1996) was a French painter of the 20th century particularly renowned for his still lifes. In 1994, the Bernardadud porcelain house used some of his fruit still lifes to decorate a collection.In the center of each plate, a different scene is depicted on a black background. Framing the scene, and on the edge of the plate, a decorative geometric pattern alternating with small motifs in gray and white. Finally, the wings are decorated with a tortoiseshell pattern.The style of the still lifes is hyper-realistic, with each fruit highlighted by lighting that stands out against the dark background.On the back of each plate, it reads "Extract from the original work of Jean-Claude Chauray, for Bernardaud Limoges France", the seal of the House as well as the artist's signature. They are kept in their original box. Photos are part of the description of the state of preservation.The dinnerware is the calling card of any formal table, and this model is a total success. ABOUT THE COMPANY...Bernardaud is a prestigious French tableware and decoration company, dedicated to the art of porcelain since 1863, always combining French know-how and tradition with creativity and innovation. From the beginning, the factory was based in Limoges, a region that possesses kaolin, a material necessary for the production of porcelain, as well as feldspar powder, quartz and water.The story begins when two industrialists open a factory in Limoges to meet the growing demand for porcelain dinnerware sets. In the workshop, the apprentice Léonard Bernardaud quickly distinguished himself from the others, until, a few years later, he was promoted to sales manager and partner by the founders.Léonard Bernardaud gradually increased production and opened up new markets, notably the American market. His sons succeeded him and developed the company's collections and worked with leading artists. Innovation after innovation, they introduced the first tunnel kiln in France, which operated 24 hours a day, producing on an industrial scale but still according to the standards of artisanal techniques.The company continued to grow, opening factories and modernizing, distinguished by the leadership of Pierre Bernardaud, who launched the first television advertising campaign with a great vision for the future. His son Michel, heir to five generations of porcelain makers, took over in 1994. Reference : 263699