Black-on-Black Sgraffito Ceramic Charger with Birds and Floral Motifs
Decorative ceramic plate / charger • Mexican folk art tradition, specifically resembling the black pottery (barro negro) styles of San Bartolo Coyotepec, Oaxaca, or Mata Ortiz pottery traditions
Style & Movement
Latin American Folk Art / Indigenous Ceramic Craft
Medium & Technique
Earthenware pottery utilizing sgraffito and burnished black slip techniques
Creation Period
Mid to late 20th century
Dimensions & Format
Circular plate format, approximately 12 to 14 inches in diameter
Subject Description
The composition features a circular dish densely decorated with stylized iconography. A central medallion encloses two confronted birds flanked by intricate floral and foliage patterns. The rim and outer field are similarly adorned with symmetrical birds, delicate scrolling leaves, and star-like flowers, creating a rhythmic, highly ornamental design executed in high-contrast cream-white lines against a dark black background.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good. The surface sheen is well-preserved, and the incised decorative lines remain crisp and clear with minimal surface wear.
Estimated Market Value
$100 - $300
Auction Estimate
$75 - $150
Provenance History
Likely acquired as a piece of tourist or collectible folk art directly from a regional artisan market in Mexico or through a mid-century import collection of Latin American crafts.
Art Historical Significance
Representative of traditional indigenous Mexican pottery-making techniques that have been passed down through generations, celebrating local fauna and flora through meticulous hand-carved surface ornamentation.
Notable Features
The striking high-contrast interplay between the matte carved incisions and the polished black slip background, along with the complex, symmetrical arrangement of repeating avian and botanical motifs.
Condition Issues
Minor surface scuffing consistent with handling and display; no major chips, cracks, or structural losses are apparent from the visible angle.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep clean with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or soaking in water to protect the porous earthenware body and polished slip surface. Display securely on a plate stand away from direct, harsh sunlight.