This cake plate is a type of antique "parlante" (talking plate) produced in Lunéville, France, to commemorate the 1889 Paris Exposition. They are usually produced as a series of 12 plates, satirically and humorously depicting the visitors and social customs of the Exposition at the time.

The text on the plate reads, "It's absurd, Madame Prudhomme. The inexplicable whims of nature have created countries with black men and white donkeys, while our country is overflowing with black donkeys and white men!" The Exposition also featured exhibits like a human zoo, displaying people brought from colonies, and this plate satirically depicts such encounters with foreign cultures from the perspective of French citizens at the time.

It is popular among collectors as a souvenir of the Paris Exposition, which also saw the construction of the Eiffel Tower in the same year, and it is traded at high prices. It seems they were once a set of 12 plates. From a historical perspective, it is a valuable piece with a profound charm.

It is in quite good condition, with almost no crazing or chips.

As this is an antique item, please understand this before placing your order.

Please note that we do not accept returns or exchanges at our store.

*If you need to exchange an item due to a defect or other reason attributable to our store, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.