Estrela de Conimbriga Hand-Painted Decorative Plate – ‘17th Century’ Collection

- Diameter:

- Excellent - This Estrela de Conimbriga decorative plate is in excellent condition, with no cracks, chips, or repairs.
- The hand-painted designs remain vibrant and intact, showing no signs of fading.
- The glaze is smooth and glossy, adding to the plate’s well-preserved appearance.
- The piece is both a functional and decorative item, and its meticulous craftsmanship ensures its value as a collectible.

1. Central Motif:
- At the heart of this decorative plate, a playful scene unfolds with a reddish-brown fox or dog leaping towards a delicate pink bird perched on a branch.
- The animals, depicted in a folk-art style, evoke a sense of motion and liveliness that draws the eye to the centre of the plate.

2. Floral and Vine Patterns:
- Surrounding the central scene is a tapestry of intricately painted floral and vine-like patterns.
- Shades of pink, green, orange, and yellow intertwine harmoniously to create a vibrant yet balanced composition.
- These decorative elements continue the whimsical theme, with the flora seemingly alive and in motion.

3. Outer Border:
- The outer border of the plate features large pink floral blooms with green centres, framed by elegant golden scrollwork that adds a touch of sophistication.
- The border is highlighted by a rich blue rim, which frames the overall design beautifully and emphasises the plate’s hand-painted details.

4. Colour Palette:
- The plate showcases a dynamic palette of earthy tones like red and orange, contrasted by bright blues, soft pinks, and deep greens.
- The bold and intricate brushstrokes, characteristic of hand-painted ceramics, add texture and depth, making this piece visually striking.

5. Shape and Structure:
- The plate has a wide, slightly shallow shape, with a gently upward-sloping rim that enhances the decorative scene in the centre while providing prominence to the detailed border.
- The shape is ideal for both display and functional purposes.

6. Back Markings:
- The back of the plate is inscribed with “A2 HAND-PAINTED SEC XVII MADE IN PORTUGAL”, confirming its hand-painted origin as part of the ‘17th Century’ Collection.
- A wire hanger is attached to the back, making the plate ready for display as a wall art piece.

7. Versatility:
- This hand-painted plate can be displayed as a decorative wall piece, using the attached wire hanger, or showcased on a stand as a tabletop centrepiece.
- Its intricate design makes it perfect for a rustic or vintage-inspired interior.

8. Cultural Significance:
- Reflecting the rich ceramic traditions of Portugal, this plate is more than just a decorative object.
- It is a cultural artefact that embodies the artistry and history of 17th-century Portuguese faience, making it a meaningful addition to any collection of European ceramics or historical decorative arts.