Louis XVI Circular Decorative Plate with Bow Crest & Pastoral Scene

Design & Inspiration

There is a particular pleasure in a room that knows its own history. This circular decorative plate — faithfully reproduced in the tradition of Louis XVI decorative arts — brings that quality to any wall it occupies. The round form is crowned by a sculpted ribbon bow, the unmistakable signature of late 18th-century French ornamental design, where the bow motif appeared on everything from furniture crests to porcelain frames. At the center, a hand-painted pastoral scene unfolds: a stone bridge, leafy trees, and figures at leisure in the countryside — imagery drawn directly from the Arcadian tradition that enchanted the courts of Versailles.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The frame is cast and hand-finished in brass, worked to an aged patina that catches light with the warmth of old gold. The circular surround is engraved with a continuous leaf-and-scroll border — tight, precise, and consistent, a mark of skilled hand-finishing rather than mass production. The ribbon bow crest is modeled in three dimensions, its loops and trailing ends given genuine volume and natural movement. The central scene is rendered on ceramic, with layered color work depicting the pastoral in the manner of François Boucher's countryside compositions — soft blues and greens, dappled light through foliage, human figures scaled to suggest depth rather than dominance.

Dimensions & Details

Weighing 4 kg, this piece carries the presence of a considered decorative object rather than a lightweight ornament. The brass construction gives it density and visual weight appropriate to a formal wall placement. The piece is designed to hang as a single statement work, though it pairs naturally with a console table or a symmetrical arrangement of framed prints in a hallway or salon setting.

Handcrafted in Egypt

Every piece bearing the Brass & Wood name is produced by skilled craftspeople in Egypt, drawing on a tradition of metalwork and decorative arts that spans generations. The brass casting, hand-engraving, and ceramic painting are performed individually — no two pieces are precisely identical. This is not a limitation; it is the point. Each plate carries the mark of the hands that made it, and that is what separates it from a reproduction and places it in the category of craft.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this decorative plate made from?

The frame and bow crest are cast brass with a hand-applied patina finish. The central decorative scene is rendered on ceramic. Combined, these materials give the piece both the warmth of metalwork and the fine detail of painted decoration.

Is assembly required?

No assembly is required. The piece arrives ready to hang, complete with its wall-mounting hardware.

Can this plate be customized?

Yes. Brass & Wood offers customization options including alternative brass finishes. Contact our team to discuss your requirements before placing your order.