Beautiful antique French barbotine (majolica) asparagus plate made by Keller & Guérin in Lunéville during the late 19th century. Featuring several relief-molded white asparagus spears with purple tips against a vibrant turquoise glaze and fluted borders. The reverse features the impressed factory mold number 697 and a deep teal glaze, characteristic of K&G’s premium earthenware.
While originally designed for serving asparagus with hollandaise sauce, this plate is a work of art in its own right. It’s perfect for a gallery wall, displayed in a hutch, or used as a unique botanical accent for a brunch setting.
- 9" dia x 1"H
- Made in Lunéville France by Keller & Guérin, circa 1890 and 1900
- Excellent condition with very light age-appropriate crazing and minor glaze wear on the spears
History & Provenance: The Art of the Asparagus
This exquisite piece dates back to the late 19th-century Belle Époque era in France (circa 1890-1900). During this time, the "Barbotine" (French for slip-cast majolica) technique reached its peak, characterized by high-relief, naturalistic designs and vibrant, glass-like glazes. Asparagus was considered a high-luxury "aristocratic" vegetable, and hosting a dinner party required specialized, whimsical majolica to serve it with flair.
The Keller & Guérin Legacy Attributed to the legendary Keller & Guérin (K&G) manufacture, this plate carries the DNA of two of France's most prestigious pottery houses: Luneville and Saint-Clément. K&G took over these factories in the late 1800s, blending technical precision with the flowing, organic lines of the Art Nouveau movement.
The impressed mold number "697" on the reverse is a hallmark of the systematic cataloging used by K&G/Saint-Clément during this period. The use of a deep turquoise fluted ground was a bold departure from traditional earth tones, making this specific pattern highly sought after by modern collectors who appreciate the intersection of Victorian craftsmanship and vibrant color.
Carlsbad, CA
