A 19th Century Portuguese Majolica "Palissy Ware" Plate by Manuel Mafra. Round plate is glazed in earth tones and contains molded and applied figures, including a snake, lizards, and a toad on a large textured bed of grass. Impressed crown "M. Mafra Caldas Portugal" mark at the underside. The ceramicist Manuel Mafra (1829-1905) worked in Caldas de Rainha, Portugal, where a school of "Palissy Ware" artists thrived from 1853 to 1920. Some wear noted, small losses to the grass, some flaked to the foot rim. 9" diameter. ESTIMATE $300-500

Some wear noted, small losses to the grass, some flaked to the foot rim.