A French white-glazed earthenware berry strainer (égouttoir à fruits) of shallow circular form, designed with concentric rings of neatly pierced circular drainage holes. Executed in smooth off-white glazed faience fine, the vessel features an elevated, triple-notched footrim on the underside to facilitate efficient drainage when rinsing soft fruits or berries.

Condition Report & Provenance

• Subject / Object Type: Berry strainer / fruit colander (égouttoir à fruits)
• Period: Early 20th Century
• Origin: France
• Material / Technique: Perforated white-glazed earthenware (faience fine)
• Markings: Stamped on base with crowned crest mark flanked by "MÉDAILLE D'OR" and inscribed "FRANCE" below
• Colour & Surface: Off-white glaze with fine, uniform age crazing
• Condition: Fine age-appropriate crazing to glaze, light shelf wear to footrim, minor firing glaze imperfections; no chips, cracks, or restorations

History

Ceramic fruit strainers (égouttoirs à fruits) have been an essential element of French culinary earthenware and table service since the 19th century. Produced by major French faienceries, these functional vessels were designed to wash and serve fresh soft fruits directly at table, allowing excess liquid to drain into a lower plate while keeping the fruit unbruised.