The origins of Nevers earthenware date from the second half of the XVth Century, thanks largely to artistic patronage at that time of the Duke of Nevers, who encouraged Italian ceramic artists to settle in the city. Nevers was ideally suited to pottery production because of its natural sources of clay and wood to fire the kilns, and access to rivers and canals for the rapid transportation of their products.

This particular piece, with the mark of Antoine Montaignon dates Circa 1880. While not mass produced in the current meaning of the term, these were made in relatively large numbers and are not rare. The Montaignon Factory is still in operation with each piece signed today by the last of the family, Gerard Montagnon.