Spanish Oval Platter from Talavera Faience, 1890s

Details

Description

This remarkable oval faience platter, hand-painted in intense cobalt blue on a pale tin-glazed ground, is an authentic example of … Read more This remarkable oval faience platter, hand-painted in intense cobalt blue on a pale tin-glazed ground, is an authentic example of Talavera pottery from the 19th century. The reverse shows clear signs of coarse buff earthenware, a hallmark of traditional Talavera production, with an unglazed footring and firing grit adhered—typical of kiln-stilt firing techniques used in the period.

The vivid central scene depicts a stylized leaping animal in a dynamic landscape, likely a hunting dog or folkloric creature, amidst sweeping brushwork trees and vegetation. The spontaneous, slightly naïve brushstrokes, along with the shallow bowl-like form, are consistent with utilitarian wares made for local use rather than export.

Details:
• Origin: Talavera de la Reina or Puente del Arzobispo, Spain
• Period: 19th century (circa 1820–1880)
• Material: Tin-glazed earthenware (faience)
• Technique: Hand-painted with cobalt oxide under transparent glaze
• Dimensions: 35x27cm / 13.7 x 10.6 in
• Decoration: Blue-on-white hunting or rural scene with stylized flora and fauna
• Back: Unglazed footring, firing grit and tool marks visible

Condition:
Minor chips to rim. Wear to glaze in areas consistent with age. No restorations. Excellent structural integrity
Photos are part of the condition See less