Artichoke plate Digoin in majolica faience barbotine

Rare artichoke plate in French faience barbotine, attributed to the Digoin factory, circa 1890-1910. This typical piece of late 19th-century tableware is made of majolica-glazed faience. It features a hand-painted naturalistic decoration depicting two artichoke heads in green and purple tones, surrounded by relief foliage. The plate is compartmentalised: * two side cavities for artichoke leaves or waste. * a central part for tasting. * a small hollow for sauce. The wide scalloped rim, moulded in relief, is covered with a blue-green glaze characteristic of barbotine productions from the period. These specialised plates for tasting artichokes were very popular among the French bourgeoisie during the Belle Époque and are now sought after by collectors of antique ceramics and tableware. Bibliographic reference: Maryse Bottero, Artichauts et Asperges en Barbotine, p.36. Condition: Good antique condition with generalised glaze crazing and slight wear on the reverse, consistent with age. Chips on the edges of the compartments and on the back. Small chip and nicks on the scalloped edge. (See photos) Dimensions: * Diameter: 25.5 cm. * Height: 3.5 cm. * Weight: 764 g. France – circa 1890-1910.