Antique serving plate, or "jardinière" from the faience of La Rochelle, 18th century. La Rochelle earthenware is a ceramic produced in the French region La Rochelle. It enjoyed widespread popularity in the 18th century. Its production ceased with the French Revolution. Exported as much as for local sale, it adorned the tables and dressers of all levels of society. In addition to plates and platters, many bidets, shaped or utilitarian pieces, became purely decorative over time. It's interesting to know the origin of the name "jardinière." "Jardin" means garden, and this type of serving dish was so named because it was used to serve vegetables harvested in the garden itself. It measures 32 cm wide, 22 cm deep, and 9 cm high.