Hand-Painted Pomegranate Small Bowl
Ceramic decorative art (small shallow bowl/dish) • Studio ceramicist or folk art workshop, likely of Mediterranean (Italian, Greek, or Spanish) or Middle Eastern origin. Many similar pieces are produced in regional pottery centers like Caltagirone (Italy) or Safi (Morocco).
Style & Movement
Folk Art / Mediterranean Vernacular Ceramic style
Medium & Technique
Glazed earthenware or terracotta; hand-painted underglaze using brushwork and sgraffito-like detailing for outlines, followed by a clear lead or tin-glaze firing.
Creation Period
Mid to Late 20th Century (circa 1960-1990)
Dimensions & Format
Circular, shallow bowl format. Estimated diameter: 10-12 cm (approx. 4-5 inches).
Subject Description
Centrally featured stylised pomegranates (one whole, one split to reveal seeds) with green leaves, surrounded by a green scalloped/crenulated border inside the rim. The pomegranate often symbolizes fertility, abundance, and prosperity.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; functional wear visible.
Estimated Market Value
$15 - $40 USD
Auction Estimate
$10 - $30 USD
Provenance History
Likely a souvenir or decorative domestic item purchased from a regional craft market or boutique. No visible maker's mark on the interior; underside not visible.
Art Historical Significance
Minor art historical significance as a piece of decorative folk craft. It represents the continuity of traditional botanical motifs in regional European or Levantine pottery traditions.
Notable Features
The naive, hand-painted quality provides a unique character; the use of yellow for pomegranates is a specific regional stylistic choice often seen in Southern Italian or Spanish majolica traditions.
Condition Issues
Visible glaze chipping on the rim at the 8 o'clock position exposing the reddish clay body. Surface pitting and fine crazing (crackling) in the glaze suggests age or use in food service. Minor kiln marks or tripod stilt marks may be present on the base.
Conservation Recommendations
Avoid microwave or dishwasher use to prevent further thermal shock and crazing. Display on a felt-padded stand. Clean only with mild soap and water. Use a reversible archival wax if the rim chip requires stabilization.