Circa 1880 Portuguese Palissy Ware Majolica Crab Plate by José A. Cunha

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A wonderfully exuberant late 19th century Portuguese Palissy ware majolica plate, circa 1880, attributed to José A. Cunha of Caldas … Read more A wonderfully exuberant late 19th century Portuguese Palissy ware majolica plate, circa 1880, attributed to José A. Cunha of Caldas da Rainha. The naturalistic design centers on a dramatically modeled red crab surrounded by shells, aquatic plants, barnacle like forms and textured sand.

The richly glazed surface combines deep greens, blues, ochre, cream and brilliant red, creating the highly dimensional trompe l'oeil effect for which Portuguese Palissy ware became celebrated during the late 19th century. The applied decoration gives the piece tremendous sculptural presence and makes it particularly striking displayed on a wall or tabletop.

An unusual and highly decorative example of the Portuguese naturalistic majolica tradition with wonderful color, texture and character. See less