Cartouche
A decorative element in the form of a shield or scroll bearing an inscription or ornament
Cartouche — an elegant frame, often oval or shield-shaped, used to highlight inscriptions, monograms, or coats of arms on silver objects, porcelain, and paintings. Particularly popular in the Baroque and Rococo eras, where such an element framed dedications, dates, or master's marks. On porcelain items, a cartouche emphasized painting scenes or distinguished the factory's hallmark.
Interestingly, craftsmen sometimes secretly included self-portraits or humorous motifs in a cartouche.
Today, a cartouche is a recognizable style marker, imparting to an item a touch of aristocratic solemnity or playful refinement.