Object Description
Portuguese Majolica ewer in the manner of Palissy
Portuguese, c. 1865-87
Height 37cm, diameter 26cm
This beautiful green ewer and bowl set is designed and crafted in the style popularised by the celebrated French ceramicist Palissy. The ewer is of traditional form, with a bulbous body and waisted neck above a flared mouth toped by a cover. The ewer sits into a circular bowl. The body of the ewer is moulded as coarse, mossy ground, which is home to lizards and frogs, including a large green glazed lizard that forms the handle, while the removable cover is surmounted by a glazed toad. The underside of the piece is stamped for Mafra, a famed nineteenth-century Portuguese ceramicist.