Four Ceramic Trompe L'Oeil Asparagus Shaped Dishes including an Italian and a Portuguese example of two part majolica tied bunch of asparagus forming a box or tureen; another Italian example of a box and cover formed as a bunch of asparagus tied with string, upright; and a shaped dish formed as eight stalks of asparagus. All examples painted with polychrome enamels. Various printed and painted marks. Late 20th Century. {Approximate dimensions: The low examples: 7" H. x 8" W. x 5" D., overall. The tall example: 8 1/2" H.; the dish, 1" H. x 8 1/2" W. x 4 1/2" D. Condition: Mostof the items are in very good condition with minor kiln speckling and crazed glaze, but for the low Italian dish, which has several long cracks and evidence of being kept near a heat source. The tall asparagus bunch has a shallow chip near flange.