(4) A FRENCH MAJOLICA TWO-HANDLED TROMPE L'OEIL ASPARAGUS DISH, A SAUCIÈRE AND A PAIR OF PLATES

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AFTERNOON SESSION (Lots 150-308) A PRIVATE COLLECTION OF ASPARAGUS DISHES From the 16th century onwards, asparagus have provided artists such as Adriaen Coorte (circa 1660 - after 1707) in the Netherlands and Bonvin and Courbet in France with inspration for still lives. Besides these and other artists, the asparagus inspired ceramic workshops that especially designed dishes, cradles, plates, sauceboats and spoons for this vegetable. The asparagus-related ceramics were produced from the 17th century onwards representing divers styles ranging from Baroque, Empire, Art Nouveau to Neue Sachlichkeit. The asparagus, officially known as Asparagus Officinalis, has been an exclusive delicacy in Europe for centuries. It is a vegetable of the lily-family of which only the spears from beneath the soil are eaten. The asparagus was first cultivated by the Romans. The manuscript De Agri Cultura, dating from 160 BC, provides the oldest manual on growing asparagus. Due to its popularity during Roman times the prices rose to great hight. Finally Emperor Diocletianus issued a decree in 304 whereby a maximum price for asparagus was determined. The vegetable is cut and consumed before it has had a chance to fully grow. Especially in European countries such as France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands the asparagus are praised for their fair white colour. Only the top of the spear may reveal a cream, pink or purple hue. Up to today asparagus remain an exclusive and costly treat due to the limited harvesting period and difficult cutting technique. Another interesting aspect from the asparagus, is that its shape fascinates our imagination. The form has an unmistakable erotic look. Consequently, pet names for the delicacy include Points d'amour and Liebesspitzen. Some attribute afrodisiac and healing qualities to the slightly bitter taste of the asparagus. The graceful spears and tender colours of this so-called 'white gold' are incorporated in the designs of the best asparagus wares in which function, shape, ornament and colour are gracefully interwoven. The lots 150-237 represent a fine selection of this ware, brought together by a private Dutch collector.

(4) A FRENCH MAJOLICA TWO-HANDLED TROMPE L'OEIL ASPARAGUS DISH, A SAUCIÈRE AND A PAIR OF PLATES

CIRCA 1880, VARIOUS INCISED AND PAINTED NUMERALS, PROBABLY SALINS

Details

(4) A FRENCH MAJOLICA TWO-HANDLED TROMPE L'OEIL ASPARAGUS DISH, A SAUCIÈRE AND A PAIR OF PLATES
CIRCA 1880, VARIOUS INCISED AND PAINTED NUMERALS, PROBABLY SALINS
Painted in colours, the rectangular basket-woven dish with cradle-shaped center naturalistically moulded in relief as tied asparagus, the saucière with generous spout and double asparagus-handle on fixed stand, the pair of plates en suite
The dish 41 cm. wide (4)

Special notice

Christie's charges a Buyer's premium calculated at 23.205% of the hammer price for each lot with a value up to €110,000. If the hammer price of a lot exceeds €110,000 then the premium for the lot is calculated at 23.205% of the first €110,000 plus 11.9% of any amount in excess of €110,000. Buyer's Premium is calculated on this basis for each lot individually.

Lot Essay

Cf. Keramik für Spargel, Museum Schloss Rheydt, Mönchgengladbach, 2003;
P. Faveton, Les Barbotines, Paris;
Exhibition catalogue Kunsthal Rotterdam, Aspergeschalen 1850-1940, Blaricum, 2003, p.52.

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