Art Deco Hand-Painted Floral Sandwich Plate, T.A.F.G.

An exceptionally charming hand-painted ceramic sandwich/serving plate with a refined, shallow coupe profile and elegant pierced handles. The plate is finished in a luminous butter-yellow ground glaze that subtly softens toward the rim, framing a central medallion of stylized florals outlined in confident black linework and filled with jewel-like enamels—cobalt blue, rose pink, marigold yellow, leaf green, and oxblood accents. The result is bright, graphic, and unmistakably continental decorative, with strong Art Deco to early mid-century sensibility. The underside is hand-marked “A.F.G.” with an additional “T–” notation (as found). The lack of a standardized printed factory backstamp suggests atelier, decorator, or small-workshop production, rather than large-scale export manufacture. Estimated date & origin (best assessment) • Circa: 1930–1950 • Probable origin: Continental Europe (France / Central Europe) • Mark: A.F.G. with additional T– notation (unidentified; presented as found) (Attribution is based on form, glaze, and decoration style; the maker is not definitively identified from the mark alone.) ⸻ Technique & Finish The plate appears to be a mold-formed ceramic body (likely earthenware or similar), fully glazed, then hand-decorated. The central floral design shows the subtle organic variation typical of handwork. The decoration was then fired to set the enamels, which aligns with the exceptionally preserved painted surface. ⸻ Condition Excellent vintage condition, especially for a hand-decorated piece: • No chips • No hairline cracks • No crazing observed • No scratches visible • No paint wear or paint loss (decoration remains crisp and intact) • Ceramic surface has a slightly rough/softly worn tactile quality consistent with age and hand-finishing • Minor, honest wear at the handles from careful handling over time ⸻ Dimensions • Overall width (including handles): 9 1/8 in • Overall height (including handles): 1 1/4 in • Serving well diameter: 8 1/2 in • Foot/base diameter: 5 1/2 in ⸻ Uses Perfect as: • A sandwich / luncheon plate • A server for petits fours, pastries, fruit, or desserts • A tea service accent (cookies, sweets, lemon slices) • A vanity tray for jewelry, perfume, or a watch • A catchall for an entry console • A decorative display piece for shelving or a plate wall (excellent color impact) ⸻ • Type: Hand-painted ceramic sandwich/serving plate with pierced handles • Marks: Hand-marked “A.F.G.” with additional “T–” notation (as found) • Origin: Probably Continental Europe (France / Central Europe) • Date: Circa 1930–1950 • Materials: Glazed ceramic with hand-painted enamel decoration • Condition: Excellent; no chips/cracks/crazing; no scratches noted; paint intact; minor handle wear • Measurements: 9 1/8” W overall; 1 1/4” H; 8 1/2” well; 5 1/2” base