Featured French? Porcelain Drawer Pulls

I found four of these porcelain and brass drawer pulls at a local benefit store. They were individually mounted on velvet in small frames. The porcelain insets are about 1.3” (33mm) in diameter.

The scenes appear to be hand painted under a clear glaze, but I will have to get a magnified view. The castings look very nicely detailed too. The circular surround is hinged at the top like a door knocker.

I don’t think the black velvet and wood frames are very flattering, so I’d be interested in your suggestions for alternate display options. The 2x2 is a composite image. They are all framed individually.

I’m thinking about putting them in a 2x2 arrangement in a single frame with a blue velvet or maybe even polished fruitwood back panel to suggest the furniture origin.

 

The 2x2 is a composite image.

And they shine....just like that.......
no wood...or furniture to get in the way of their beauty !!
KISS.....is required here............imho..

 

These were popular home decorator items in the 1950's-1960's. Sometimes given away in furniture stores free with a furniture purchase. No well decorated home was complete without a set. Many are attributed to Limoge (note the missing "s"). When signed on the front the name "Fragonard" is usually seen. The decoration is done with decals. The white spaces in the figures is where the decal wasn't applied correctly. They have no great value so use them in whatever configuration pleases you. I've also seen these framed on a single velvet strip.

Personally I would be tempted to frame on velvet under glass. The decoration is not the most durable (the reason not use them as a drawer pull) and you don't want to have to dust it too often. And it helps keep the velvet clean and preserves the finish on the metal. They are a neat nostalgia item.
Don

 

Don, thanks for the explanation and origin. It certainly explains the mid-century frames! Great idea on framing with glass to keep the velvet clean. I have enough dusting to do!

I’ll check the backs when I reframe them. I have my fingers crossed hoping they’re genuine “Limoge” and not the old French knock-offs!

 

Just fyi, the were inspired by paintings of the Rococo era (roughly 1730s-1760s.)

Debora