Primrose Asparagus Plate, Salins-les-Bains

Period
Mid-20th century, French, Jura

Size
9½ x 8¾ inches

An asparagus plate from Salins-les-Bains, hand-painted in a soft cream and blush palette rather than saturated majolica color.

A shaped serving form with a ribbed asparagus bundle raised in the center well, a primrose spray with green leaves at each side. The outline is a single soft oval pinched in at each side rather than scalloped. Marked on the reverse Salins Les Bains, inaltérable, Made in France, Peint à la main.

Sold as found.

Historical Context
Salins began producing pottery in 1857 at Salins-les-Bains in the Jura, and went on to win a silver medal at the 1889 Paris Universal Exposition and a gold medal at the 1912 Paris International Exhibition of Decorative Arts. Asparagus arrives in France each spring as its own event, sold by the bundle and given its own course on a plate made just for asparagus.

Styling Ideas
Use it as part of a plate wall, or as a catchall on a vanity.