Mid-20th Century Heny Vallauris Majolica Basket-Form Fruit Bowl - 13½"

This mid-twentieth-century French majolica fruit coupe, stamped "Heny" to the underside, is finely modeled as a woven openwork basket in earthenware and richly glazed in deep green. The rim is embellished with barbotine fruit and foliage in high relief, including aubergine grapes, red strawberries, small pears and figs, framed by vine leaves. The basket’s pronounced stripes enhance texture and catch the light, while the highly rounded fruit adds sculptural depth. Its glossy enamel surface and lively Provençal palette give it strong decorative presence.

This naturalistic composition continues the French barbotine tradition that began in the nineteenth century and was carried forward in Vallauris during the postwar decades. The trompe-l’œil fruit and woven basket recall rustic wicker services once used to present and air produce, while the saturated green glaze reflects the Riviera taste for vivid faïence. Vallauris became a noted hub for ceramics, celebrated for exuberant modeling and artisanal craftsmanship, and the Heny workshop was among the contributors to this lively production with decorative wares for the table and buffet.

Charming as a focal point on a kitchen island, it also suits a dining room console or sideboard. It can serve as a centerpiece filled with fresh citrus or grapes, or be left empty to highlight its sculptural relief against marble, wood, or linen. The bowl brings a touch of Provençal countryside color to traditional, farmhouse, or eclectic interiors.