Mid-20th-Century Vallauris Jaspé-Glazed Salad Bowl (decorative) - 4¾" x 9¾"

This mid-20th-century glazed earthenware salad bowl was made in Vallauris and bears a Vallauris stamp beneath the base. Its broad, rounded form is covered on the exterior with a lively jaspé decoration in soft green and reddish-brown over a warm cream ground, the colors flowing freely into one another in irregular bands and drips. The interior glaze has areas of wear and loss, with scattered chips consistent with age and use, while the overall form remains sound.

Vallauris pottery of the mid-20th century is closely associated with expressive glazing and bold decorative surfaces, and this bowl has much of that spontaneous, painterly character. Because of the wear to the interior glaze, it is best reserved for decorative use rather than serving salad. Filled with fruit or dry produce on a kitchen island, however, it would bring color, texture and an easy Mediterranean character to the room.