Old enameled plate bearing the inscription "OCRE JAUNE E." (YELLOW OCHRE E.), from a set of enameled plates that equipped the drawers of an old color merchant's cabinet. Yellow ochre is a natural mineral pigment whose color comes mainly from iron oxides, traditionally used in painting and decoration. Color merchants supplied pigments, colors, and various raw materials to painters, decorators, and artisans; their drawer cabinets allowed them to store these many powders and preparations separately, each compartment being identified by a plate like this one.
✦ Estimated period: Circa 1900-1920 ✦ Origin: France, former color merchant ✦ Dimensions: approx. 13 × 3 cm (5.1 × 1.2 inches) ✦ Material: Enamel plate ✦ Condition: Good used condition, with small enamel chips, slight traces of oxidation, scratches, and wear from time.
Old enameled plate "Yellow Ochre," an authentic color merchant's accessory linked to the history of natural pigments and the painting trades.
