Posted 11 years ago
surfdub66
(464 items)
This small 5" plate is made from a reddy terracotta colour clay it is marked on the bottom with some sort of scriggle , it looks very old & has some nibbles on the rim but apart from that very good condition , I know nothing about it and was hoping someone could.
any info much appreciated thanks
I can't tell you for sure, because I'm self taught and still have a lot to learn, but my first impression was Italian tin-glazed earthenware (aka Maiolica). When I saw the back, I felt pretty confident that I got it right...even though the word is illegible, the "y" at the end can be easily made out. So that would support an Italian origin. As to age, underglaze colors were restricted to purplish-brown and green until about 1450, followed by dark blue, and then light blue, then red. Your plate makes sparing use of red, which is a good clue because only factories in Faenza, Siena, and Caffaggiolo used it, and they were noted for their sparse use of the color. It was introduced in the early 1500's, so that would be the earliest date of creation. The blue mark on the back also helps to date the piece, because they stopped using blue underglaze for origin/maker's marks early in the 18th century. So it would seem your little dish dates between 1500 & 1699. Congrats! She looks very good for her age! I would expect it to sell at auction for between $75 & $300. But I repeat, I'm a mere hobbyist, still trying to learn how to identify antique ceramics, so don't rely just on my opinion.
If I may ask, where did you find her?
Many thanx jenny , ill start to look in that direction !
I thought maybe turkish but couldnt find anything like it , like you im self taught but more oriental & english & SILVER ..
thanx again simon
Also I found it at a recycling centre cost 50p.. i knew it was old so took a chance , my other listing " the delft plate was also 50p, I have loads as been collecting for years and may list a few more of the ones I dont know too much about, thanx
when i write 'Italy', it kind of looks like this. i've never been able to read my own writing - never mind someone else's!!
I know what you mean ho2. !???? Ha ..