Spring is finally here across North America and Europe, and if there is one vegetable most associated with Spring it is asparagus. Asparagus plates are probably the single most abundant servers found in majolica today. This is a result of the vegetable's immense popularity in Europe.
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One of the interesting facts about majolica asparagus servers is how the particular variety of asparagus featured on the majolica varies depending on the market the potter serves. Green tipped asparagus is favored in the UK. Hence the majolica servers from that area feature that variety on their majolica. In Germany and Belgium, white and purple tipped asparagus is preferred, so the servers potted for that market feature white asparagus. France, where most asparagus items are made, also created plates which incorporate artichokes, which are popular with the French market.
Asparagus majolica can usually be broken down into four types: Asparagus cradles; individual asparagus plates; serving items like sauce boats, pitchers and platters; and combination asparagus and artichoke plates.
Let's take a look at some asparagus cradles. These are sometimes potted as a cradle with a separate underplate that can serve as a platter, and sometimes potted in a single piece, like the famous Minton asparagus cradle. Drainage holes are common on the cradle.
And finally there are combination artichoke and asparagus servers. These are most commonly made by potters in France where artichokes are popular.
Let's take a look at some asparagus cradles. These are sometimes potted as a cradle with a separate underplate that can serve as a platter, and sometimes potted in a single piece, like the famous Minton asparagus cradle. Drainage holes are common on the cradle.
Holdcroft majolica asparagus server
English majolica cradle
Salins majolica asparagus platter Sarreguemines majolica covered asparagus server Sarrguemines majolica asparagus cradle |
Clairefontaine majolica asparagus platter
Dressler asparagus server
Onnaing majolica asparagus server
Sarreguemines majolica asparagus server
Minton majolica asparagus cradle
Then we have the individual plates. These commonly have a separate section for dipping sauce. |
Orchies majolica Minton individual asparagus server |
Creil Montereau asparagus plate
St. Clement asparagus server
Luneville majolica asparagus plate
Longchamp majolica asparagus plate
Salins majolica asparagus plate
Wasmuel majolica asparagus plate |
Longchamps majolica |
Luneville asparagus plate St. Amand asparagus plate St. Amand asparagus plate with dipping well |
Sauce boats and separate platters are commonly made with asparagus themes.
Luneville asparagus sauce boat |
Julius Dresser majolica server
Julius Dresser asparagus server |
Onnaing majolica asparagus pitcher
Orchies majolica asparagus plate
Fives Lille combination asparagus/artichoke plate
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The cost of asparagus pieces vary. Many companies in Europe still make asparagus majolica so one needs to be sure the piece they are considering is antique. Add to that the large number of asparagus pieces that were produced in the last quarter of the 19th Century and the cost of the antique plates has maintained a steady price of about $100 a plate. Servers and cradles generally sell in the $250-$350 range with some particularly desirable designs like the Minton cradle usually selling in the $800-$1000 range.
The variety available in majolica asparagus plates is endless. These are but a few of the examples we found online but with a little investigation of your own you're bound to find a design that fits into your collection.
The variety available in majolica asparagus plates is endless. These are but a few of the examples we found online but with a little investigation of your own you're bound to find a design that fits into your collection.
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