Large pairs of `` Cardinal '' dishes in pewter, hallmarked 1677

Pair of large pewter dishes called "à la Cardinal" with a coat of arms engraved on the wing.
We will notice on the back of the wing a hallmark: hammer crowned 1677, N C for Nicolas Carpentier, master at Montreuil-sur-Mer in 1677.

Diameter : 47 cm

France
End of the 17th century


The cardinal-style dish is so named because it recalls the shape of an upturned cardinal's hat.
Often used as ceremonial dishes to present dishes, these large dishes are in use from the beginning of the 16th century to the end of the 18th century.
The owners' coats of arms which are engraved on pieces made in the 17th century often refer to owners from wealthy social classes.
At the time of the `` cardinal '' dishes, pewter plates were rare in the daily life of popular layers where wooden tableware dominated. Also the wealthy bourgeoisie attaches importance to being able to eat from pewter plates, and people on official trips take great pains not to be served in pewter dishes, more refined, in accordance with their rank.