Charming Petite Mid-20th Century Vallauris Majolica Fruit Basket - 11"

This petite mid-twentieth-century majolica basket is hand-modeled with openwork strap sides and a braided rim that clearly shows the touch of the artisan’s hand. The body is finished in a warm Provençal ochre glaze that beautifully complements the green foliage and crimson tones of the applied fruit. The base is unmarked but bears an incised model number or signature, and the piece is almost certainly from Vallauris, celebrated for its lively postwar pottery production.

The handmade construction, delicate strapwork, and colorful barbotine accents reflect Vallauris’s tradition of combining rustic motifs with vivid glazes to create decorative tableware. The use of fruit and leaves continues a long European tradition in majolica, where naturalistic motifs have symbolized abundance and brought lively color to the table since the nineteenth century.

The ochre, green, and crimson palette evokes the Provençal countryside, recalling orchards, vineyards, and the sun-warmed tones of the region’s landscape. Charming in scale and full of character, this basket makes a delightful accent on a kitchen shelf, breakfast table, or console. It can hold fruit, bread or be left empty to showcase its openwork and applied ornament. It brings an authentic touch of Provence countryside charm to any home.

Condition and patina consistent with age.
Approx. overall 4¾" high x 11" wide x 9" deep
Approx. overall 12cm high x 28cm wide x 23cm deep