Antique French Majolica Asparagus Plate c. 1880–1900

Antique French majolica asparagus plate with a creamy white ground and a single raised asparagus spear with green leaves and a purple-tipped head. The unusually minimal decoration is a less common take on the more elaborate asparagus plates of the period.

Attributed to Salins, a French earthenware factory established in Salins-les-Bains in 1857. Asparagus and artichoke plates, platters, and serving pieces made up a significant part of the factory’s majolica production. The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds a Salins asparagus dish dated circa 1880, and Christie's has documented numerous Salins asparagus plates and services from around 1880–1900.

The back of this plate is unmarked. Salins pieces are generally impressed “SALINS” when marked, but documented unmarked examples have also been attributed to the factory, including examples referenced by Christie's. Because this plate does not carry a maker's mark, the Salins attribution cannot be confirmed.

Dimensions:
9 3/4" diameter