Vintage Dessert Plate, Sarreguemines Fables de La Fontaine (The Lion and the Mouse)

This is a vintage plate from the Sarreguemines factory, from their La Fontaine's Fables series.

The Lion and the Rat (Le Lion et le Rat)
This plate depicts a lion caught in a net, observed by a rat.
In the original fable, an arrogant lion scoffs at a small rat, but later, when in trouble, is helped by the rat gnawing through the net.
The story teaches the lesson that "you should never underestimate even the smallest being."

However, the rat on this plate does not appear to be trying to help the lion.
Rather, with its hands on its hips, it seems to be calmly observing the lion's predicament.
The rat's thoughtful (?) expression, which differs slightly from the fable, is amusing.

Condition: There is crazing due to age, but no chips or cracks, and no signs of use, making it in very good condition.

Size: Approximately 19cm in diameter x 2.5cm in height
Era: Late 20th century

[Please check before purchasing]

This item is vintage or antique.
It is imported for decorative purposes. Therefore, there is no guarantee regarding its safety or durability as tableware.
Its use is at the customer's own discretion.
There may be signs of age, small scratches from manufacturing, color variations, etc.
We ask for your understanding that these are characteristics unique to vintage items.