A charming small Portuguese faience dish by Manuel Cipriano Gomes “Mafra”, from Caldas da Rainha, decorated in rich brown glaze with raised green ivy-leaf motifs around the rim. The underside bears an impressed Mafra mark, and the piece has the warm glaze crazing and character expected of an antique ceramic.
Manuel Mafra was one of the key figures in 19th-century Caldas da Rainha ceramics, known for naturalistic faience inspired by flora, fauna and Palissy-style modelling. Museum and auction references place marked Mafra pieces mainly in the late 19th century, with comparable crowned/impressed marks often dated around c. 1865–1887 or c. 1880.
From an old Portuguese manor house collection. Very good antique condition, with age-related glaze crazing and minor wear consistent with age.
Measurements: diameter 13 cm; height 2 cm.
Weight: 0.127 kg.
