Presented for sale is a fascinating Palissy ware plate produced in Caldas da Rainha, Portugal in the late 19th century by Manuel Cipriano Gomes, better known as "Mafra" (Portuguese, 1829 – 1905).

Some would look at Palissy ware and be appalled as to why anyone would want to fill up a plate with grass and reptiles, then display it on your wall as art, but we find the workmanship amazing. Mafra (Manuel Gomes) was one of the artists who participated in the Palissy ware revival during the latter part of the 19th century celebrating the work of the earlier potter, Bernard Palissy (Portuguese 1510 – 1589). Palissy’s interest in natural botanicals and animals was inspired by exploration and discovery of the New World. Mafra’s later pieces were more realistic due to the improvement and variety of the glazes, and he is considered one of the most talented ceramicists of the 19th century. Although his factory closed down in the late 19th century, his pieces have become highly collectible.

The plate depicts reptiles and amphibians placed around the edges on a thick grassy surface. The plate hangs, and is in very good condition with a few glaze bites to the outer brown mottled rim.

Size: 10 ¼” Diameter.