Charming 1960s Vallauris Faïence Cake Platter W/ Riviera Holiday Scene - 17¼"

This charming rectangular cake platter in glazed faïence was produced in Vallauris, France, circa 1960s. The slender form features softly scalloped sides, integral pierced handles at each end, and a hand-painted black border framing a warm cream ground. The recessed well is decorated with a Riviera holiday scene, hand-painted in fluid black line with pastel washes of sky blue, lemon, blush, and pale green. The composition depicts a young woman alongside a beach umbrella and mat, with playful bottle and glass motifs suggesting seaside leisure. The underside is stamped Vallauris and signed VK, underscoring its artisanal origin.

Vallauris became a vibrant creative hub after the Second World War, when Picasso’s presence attracted artists and potters to the town and encouraged bold, graphic decoration. Mid-century ateliers often produced practical wares for the Côte d’Azur tourist trade, adorning them with imagery of sunshine, vacations, and _apéritifs_. This _plat à cake_ embodies that spirit, marrying an everyday serving form with whimsical illustration typical of Vallauris production in the 1960s.

Cheerful and evocative, the platter lends a light Mediterranean note to a kitchen dresser, breakfast nook, or coastal living room. It can be used for serving pastries or canapés, or displayed upright on a shelf or wall with a plate hanger to showcase the charming scene. Its narrow footprint also suits a bar cart or console, where its playful design and soft palette bring color and character to mid-century, eclectic, or contemporary interiors.

Light wear.
Approx. overall 1½" high x 17¼" wide x 6¾" deep
Approx. overall 4cm high x 44cm wide x 17cm deep