French Porcelain Exotic Animal Plate

A fabulous early 19th century French hand decorated porcelain plate decorated with a female zebra.

Exotic animals were very popular subjects for decoration on ceramics.  Some of the exotic birds from the 18th century were imaginary, whereas by the early 19th century some of these exotic animals from India and Africa would have been seen in circuses and zoos, as well as on safaris.  So while exotic, their representation was more literal.  

This plate is fine quality highly translucent porcelain with an incised workmans potters mark, which is typical of early 19th century French porcelain.

The zebra is laying down on  brown earth, in the shade of a sparse tree.

The rim is embelished with a simple wide gold band.

Similar exotic animal designs were used on some Dutch porcelain.  This plate was possibly decorated by Rihouet.  

Maker's marks:
No makers mark.  "Zebra Femille" in gold, "Female Zebra"

Dimensions:
234 mm diameter

Weight:
430 g

Age:
I estimate made around 1820 so approximately 206 years old.

Condition:
Very good condition: Minor wear to gilding, no chips cracks or restoration.  The glaze and enamels very good

Maker:
French, early 19th century