Majolica tin glazed earthenware dish in shell-like form. Whorl at one end with curving corrugations radiating outward. Dish sides have regular pattern of perforations for drainage. Low footring base. Hand-painted decoration on pale greenish yellow color overall with delicate vining done with delicate brush strokes and daubs of ochre for leaves. Additional decoration of larger scale flowers or flower clusters and a moth-like insect. Dish edges and whorl painted ochre with diagonal stripes.
Underside, within footring, is the famous cockerel mark painted in wispy brush strokes, representing the Cantagalli family factory in Florence, Italy - likely the period when Ulisse Cantagalli succeeded his father in 1878 and started to produce highly decorative Italian ceramics in the Renaissance style. This pottery style was hugely popular at this time in English-speaking countries. Ulisse died in 1901 but his family continued the business.
Provenance: Dish owned by Harriet Lane Joohnston, then descent within family to donor.
Provenance
Plate owned by Harriet Lane Johnston, then descent within family to donor.
