Imported directly from France. Made circa 1950s.

Dimensions: 10 inches (24 cm) in diameter

This oyster plate showcases the artistry of Vallauris, a hub of mid-20th-century ceramics. Designed by the renowned artisan Marius Giuge, the plate features a radiant sunflower-inspired design with six scalloped wells for oysters or small appetizers and a central well for sauces. The warm amber glaze and basket-weave texture reflect the rustic Mediterranean aesthetic for which Vallauris is celebrated.

Condition: Excellent vintage condition with no chips or cracks; light wear consistent with age.

Shipping: Carefully packaged to ensure safe delivery; please read our rave reviews. For international buyers, customs and import duties are the responsibility of the buyer.

Some History:
The Marius Giuge oyster plate is a perfect representation of the mid-20th-century Vallauris ceramic renaissance, blending traditional craftsmanship with innovative design. Vallauris, a historic pottery town in southern France, became a hub for artisanal ceramics during this period, thanks to influential figures like Pablo Picasso, who revitalized the region's pottery scene in the late 1940s. This era ushered in a creative explosion, where artisans like Marius Giuge married local ceramic traditions with modern forms and finishes.

Giuge, who established his workshop in 1949, was celebrated for his intricate designs and innovative use of glazes, such as the "écume de mer" (sea foam) effect and richly saturated finishes. His workshop utilized molds to craft detailed and highly functional pieces, such as this oyster plate. The sunflower-inspired design and amber glaze on this piece reflect both the Mediterranean influence and the baroque elegance that often characterized Vallauris ceramics of the time.

This piece, stamped with "Marius Giuge, Artisan Potier, Vallauris," showcases the artistry and attention to detail that defined his work. The design, with scalloped wells for oysters and a central well for sauces, merges utility with artistic flair, aligning with the postwar aesthetic movement that emphasized both beauty and function in household objects. Giuge's ceramics, like this plate, became staples in French homes, offering a sense of both modernity and tradition.

Owning this plate is like holding a piece of Vallauris' vibrant history—a time when the town's potters gained international recognition for their artistry. Whether you're serving seafood at an elegant dinner or displaying it as a decorative piece, this plate honors the legacy of Giuge and the rich ceramic heritage of Vallauris.