Artisan Ceramic Tray Appraisal

Italian Hand-Painted Ceramic Floral Tray/Bowl

This is an elaborate Italian ceramic decorative tray or shallow bowl, likely from the mid-20th century, possibly in the Capodimonte or similar ornate style. The item is characterized by its heavily molded, openwork rim, which features a creamy off-white base color accented with brown/bronze highlighting applied to the raised rococo-style scrolls. The central well of the piece is hand-painted with a vibrant floral bouquet, primarily featuring pink roses, yellow tulips, and delicate green foliage, against a light background with subtle brushstrokes suggesting an aged appearance. Around the rim, three-dimensional applied floral elements, including roses and other blossoms in various stages of bloom, are strategically placed. These applied flowers are rendered in muted shades of pink, yellow, and blue, with realistic green leaves and brown stems. The craftsmanship exhibits detailed modeling, characteristic of Italian majolica or Capodimonte-style porcelain, though confirmation of the specific manufacturer without visible marks is difficult. The visible condition appears good, with no obvious chips or cracks, though some minor wear or natural aging of the paint and glaze might be present. The 'Made in Italy' mark, along with the numerical code '5046/9', indicates its country of origin and possibly a model or mold number. The piece's overall aesthetic suggests a focus on decorative display rather than utilitarian function, with its intricate details and raised elements making it prone to damage if not handled with care. The quality of the hand-painting and molded elements indicates a decent level of artisan craftsmanship.