Late 19th century Majolica asparagus cradle - Salins 14¼"

This superb Majolica asparagus cradle dates from the late nineteenth-century. It has white asparagus with turquoise blue tips and each end has a well for vinaigrette or artichokes that are decorated with floral bouquets. It is stamped SALINS underneath.

The Salins earthenware factory was founded in 1857 and was completely destroyed during the Franco-Prussion War (1870-71) as the war took place in Lorraine - the factory was located in Salins-les-Bains in Lorraine near the Swiss border.