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19th Century Antique French Faïence Martres-Tolosone Asparagus Plate Set with Platter

Item Number: LOPI34

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$2,400.00
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Celebrate the art of seasonal dining with this rare and complete 13-piece antique asparagus service, a superb example of French barbotine — a decorative ceramic style often referred to as majolica — prized for its richly colored glazes and modeled relief work. Having twelve plates and a matching serving platter, the set is a true treasure of 19th-century French tableware. Made around the 1890s in the pottery town of Martres-Tolosane, and inspired by the famed Moustiers faïence tradition, each plate is thoughtfully designed with raised ridges to cradle tender asparagus spears, keeping them delightfully crisp, even when drizzled with sauce hollandaise. The matching oval platter repeats this theme with a larger central asparagus motif, perfect for presenting grilled vegetables or fresh crudités. These tin-glazed earthenware pieces are beautifully hand painted with floral garlands, trailing vines, and the graceful egret, a wading bird long favored in French decorative arts as a symbol of purity, elegance, and spring renewal. The soft celadon green and delicate chartreuse accents are layered over a creamy ivory glaze, lending the set a fresh botanical elegance ideal for spring and summer entertaining. The scalloped rims are trimmed in green and the underside bears stamped markings, lending both beauty and provenance to this already exquisite set.

 

While originally designed for refined seasonal dining, this asparagus service set is both functional and highly decorative — a rare find that's complete, beautifully preserved, and a stunning example of French faïence craftsmanship. Whether styled for a spring fête, mounted on a kitchen wall, or used to impress guests (or just Duke) at your next luncheon, this set adds elegance, history, and a whisper of French theater to your everyday. 

Dimensions:

Serving Platter

h - 1.25"

w - 15.75"

d - 12.5"

Plates

diameter - 10"

h - 1"
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Mirror A closer look reveals

Maker: Attributed to Martres-Tolosane workshops
Origin: Haute-Garonne, southwestern France
Date: Circa 1890s
Material: Hand-painted tin-glazed faïence
Color: Ivory ground with celadon green and chartreuse floral accents
Design: Raised ridges for asparagus, hand-painted egret and floral garlands
Technique: Moustiers-style painting with scalloped edges and trailing vines
Markings: Attributed; unsigned but consistent with Martres-Tolosane production
Dimensions: Plates approx. 10″ diameter; platter approx. 15.75″ wide
Condition: Excellent antique condition; minor wear consistent with age
Sold: As a complete 13-piece set (12 plates + 1 platter)
Use: Asparagus service, spring entertaining, decorative display

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