Maine Pottery Two Trout Motif Serving Bowls

Monroe Salt Works was a pottery located in rural Monroe, Maine that started in 1972, creating salt glazed pottery that was handmade, so no two pieces were exactly the same. Their pieces are lead-free and safe for the dishwasher, freezer, oven and microwave. Due to the firing process used, they are also extremely chip resistant. The pottery property and contents were sold at auction in May, 2009.

These large, shallow bowls feature a gorgeous rainbow trout in the midst of underwater grasses. The background color is a speckled tan, the upper rims a spattered cobalt blue with a ring of the same blue around the fish. The undersides are dry in the center with a ring of sienna glaze around them. They have a wonderful orange peel texture due to the salt glazing. Impressed on the bottom of one is the mark "MONROE SALT WORKS MONROE MAINE." The other bowl has just "MONROE" stamped into the bottom.

Each bowl is 10 3/4 inches across, 1 3/4 inches high and weighs 2 1/4 pounds. One of the bowls has a spot of extra brown glaze on the front, while the other has some minor wear to the trout. There is no other apparent wear or damage on either of the bowls.

Monroe Salt Works's wares are very collectible; this early trout pattern is particularly scarce (there is a later trout pattern). Large bowls are more difficult to find than items such as dinner plates or coffee mugs, which were bought in sets. This matching pair would be great as pasta or fruit bowls or for serving up some smoked trout salad. Great for adding to your collection, decorating your cabin or pleasing someone who loves fish and/or fishing!

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