Lunette

Lunette is a decorative area in a porcelain item, limited in shape by an arc, most often resembling a semicircle or an ellipse. It is placed on the upper part of plates, vases, or clocks, where it becomes a space for narrative or ornamental painting. In the 19th century, the lunette became a favorite detail of French and German masters.

Inside the lunette, one can find mythological or romantic scenes, flower garlands, family portraits. A special feature is the mastery of miniature painting, since the area is limited by the shape of the lunette. At auctions, dishes with richly painted lunettes are especially highly valued: once, a dish with a rare portrait in a lunette sold at auction for three times its estimate. This speaks to the status and artistic value of the element.