Floral Hand-Painted Earthenware Bowl
Ceramic; decorative earthenware bowl • Likely European workshop; characteristics suggest Italian (Deruta or Castelli schools) or possibly English/American 'peasant ware' popular in the mid-century.
Style & Movement
Folk Art / Mid-Century Decorative Arts
Medium & Technique
Hand-painted earthenware with polychrome tin-glaze (maiolica/faience style). Featuring brush-painted floral motifs and an airbrushed or sponge-applied 'bleeding' pink rim.
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (Circa 1940s-1960s)
Dimensions & Format
Circular tondo bowl; estimated diameter 10-12 inches (25-30 cm).
Subject Description
Stylized botanical composition featuring a central bouquet of three pink fan-shaped flowers, two blue thistle or wheat-like stalks, and two yellow seed pods/pomegranates tied with a green ring. Three blue horizontal bars likely represent water or decorative 'shadow' elements. It is framed by a broad, diffused pink border.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; shows visible signs of utilitarian use consistent with age.
Estimated Market Value
$30 - $75 USD
Auction Estimate
$20 - $50 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely acquired as part of a household set of kitchenware or souvenir decorative ceramics. Lack of visible markings suggests a mass-market production line for domestic use.
Art Historical Significance
Representational of the post-WWII trend for 'rustic' and 'peasant' style ceramics in middle-class homes. This piece reflects the transition from traditional folk handicraft to industrialized decorative production.
Notable Features
The 'stenciled' or airbrushed effect of the pink rim contrasted with the naive, hand-painted central motif is a classic 1950s design element.
Condition Issues
Significant surface scratching and utensil marks in the well of the bowl; crazing (fine network of cracks in the glaze) is likely present; some minor staining or foxing spots are visible on the white ground.
Conservation Recommendations
Gentle hand-wash only; do not soak for long periods as earthenware is porous. Display in a stable environment away from extreme temperature shifts to prevent glaze flaking.