2 Rebus Talking Plates Gien Earthenware. Very good condition Size: 20.2cm Date: 1980s, rework of the old model from the end of the 19th century "Rebus Plates" were a particular type of decorative plates produced by the French earthenware factory of Gien from the 1860s. Unlike traditional decorative plates which often featured abstract patterns or picturesque scenes, Rebus plates were decorated with rebuses or riddles made up of drawings and letters. The drawings and letters were chosen to form a message or phrase, which could be read aloud or guessed. Rebuses were a popular type of puzzle at the time, and Rebus plates were highly regarded for their originality and ability to entertain guests at meals. The rebuses could be quite simple, such as a picture of a bird followed by the letter "F", which formed the word "fairy bird". Other rebuses could be more complex and involve several elements to decipher in order to arrive at the answer. Gien Rebus plates were often decorated with floral motifs, landscapes or scenes from everyday life, which served as a backdrop for the rebuses. They were made of fine earthenware and decorated by hand, making them collector's items prized by art and history lovers.