A rare complete set of 12 illustrated plates from the Utzschneider & Cie (U&C) factory in Sarreguemines, belonging to the “Chasseur” range, first produced from 1890. Each plate features, in black on a creamy white background, a lively and humorous hunting scene, set within three rectangular vignettes.
Bear hunting – roe deer hunting – rabbit hunting – red deer hunting – black grouse hunting – hare hunting – chamois hunting – lion hunting – wolf hunting – wild duck hunting – fox hunting – wild boar hunting.
Made from fine feldspathic earthenware, these plates feature a monochrome printed design, characteristic of the famous ‘talking plates’ from Sarreguemines. The ‘Chasseur’ design forms part of the extensive series of humorous imagery produced by the factory in the late 19th century, when it adapted themes dear to the illustrators and caricaturists of the time onto earthenware. The scenes depict the hunter, his companions, the animals and the incidents of the hunt: The scenes depict the hunter, his companions, the animals and the incidents of the hunt: waiting in the rain, a missed shot, unexpected encounters, taunts or run-ins with gamekeepers. This repertoire draws as much on popular humour as on social satire, which was highly prized in the late 19th century.
Marks and dating: The reverse bears the mark ‘Chasseur – U&C Faïenceries de Sarreguemines’, corresponding to the company Utzschneider et Compagnie (U&C). This type of decorative mark is attested between 1890 and 1918; it confirms the proposed date for the ‘Chasseur’ model, created in 1890. Other marks, relating to the type of clay, the shape or the mould number, may also appear on the reverse of the plates.
Condition: In good overall condition, with signs of use and localised wear to the gilded rim, consistent with the piece’s age and use. On plate; see photo; with damage to the mounting system when displayed vertically. Can be restored.
Bibliographical references:
Sarreguemines Museum: https://www.sarreguemines-museum.fr/fr
Fine earthenware and porcelain – People, objects, places, techniques. JM Minovez 2024, Ed Méridiennes. Imagery on earthenware: the ‘talking plates’ with printed motifs from the Sarreguemines factory. Emilie Decker (pages 153–169)


A display plate by Manufacture Raynaud in Limoges – not for sale.