Early 20th century Savoyard terracotta twin wall cutlery strainer

A wall-hanging twin cutlery strainer from Savoie in glazed terracotta, early twentieth century. The arched backplate, pierced with two suspension holes, rises behind a pair of joined cylindrical wells, each intended to hold cutlery upright as it dried. The piece is finished in a warm reddish-brown glaze, decorated with raised slip-trailed motifs in cream and green, with lively scrolling foliage across the front and a bold leaf design on the backplate.

Known in French as an égouttoir à couverts or porte-couverts égouttoir, this type of wall-mounted kitchen piece belongs to the tradition of Savoyard terre vernissée. Made for everyday domestic use, it combines practical purpose with the expressive decoration typical of regional pottery, where humble forms were enlivened with coloured slips, floral motifs and glossy glaze.

Today, it brings immediate character to a farmhouse, pantry or French country kitchen. Hung near a prep sink or displayed on a kitchen wall, it can hold dry flatware, wooden spoons, brushes or small tools. It also works beautifully as a decorative piece on open shelving, paired with confit jars, copper, cutting boards and other vernacular pottery.

Condition and wear consistent with age and use.
Approx. overall 9½" high x 11" wide x 3½" deep
Approx. overall 24cm high x 28cm wide x 9cm deep