Trompe l'Oeil Plate With Tomatoes And Walnuts

This trompe-l'oeil plate depicts three tomatoes and two walnuts lying on vine leaves. It is typical of the creations of the Salins ceramics factory.
Located in Burgundy Franche-Comté, the Salins-les-Bains ceramics factory, founded in 1857 in the former Capuchin convent, has marked the history of ceramics thanks to its know-how, its innovations and the quality of its products.
The factory quickly established itself as a major player in the production of earthenware in France. Its growth is closely linked to the availability of natural resources necessary for the manufacture of ceramics, particularly clay and salt water, as well as to the development of the railway which made it possible to distribute its products throughout France and internationally.

The Salins factory has been noted for the diversity and quality of its productions. It particularly excelled in the manufacture of fine earthenware, tableware, decorative tiles, as well as art and everyday objects. Hand-painted decorations, floral and geometric patterns, and vibrant colors became the factory's signature.
One of Salins' major innovations was the use of modern firing and glazing techniques, which resulted in more durable products and a wider color palette. Collaboration with artists and designers also contributed to its influence, making its creations sought-after objects by collectors.
In 1925, the factory won a gold medal at the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris.
In 1936, it employed 230 workers and closed its doors in 1960 before being integrated into the Sarreguemines earthenware factory in 1968.