Bordallo Pinheiro Geranium Leaf Majolica Tea Set Appraisal

Bordallo Pinheiro Geranium Leaf Majolica Tea Set

This is a vintage-style green majolica earthenware tea set, likely originating from the Portuguese manufacturer Bordallo Pinheiro or a similar pottery specializing in naturalistic glazed ceramics. The set consists of a globose teapot with a fitted lid, resting on a wide, scalloped presentation plate featuring a complex fern and lattice molded pattern. Accompanied by several matching teacups and stacked saucers, the set is characterized by its vibrant celadon-to-forest green lead-glaze finish. The teapot is intricately decorated with relief-molded geranium leaves that wrap around its body, exhibiting realistic veining and textural depth. The glaze pools in the recesses of the molded designs, enhancing the three-dimensional botanical effect which is a hallmark of late 19th-century revival leaf-ware craftsmanship. The lid features a small, rounded finial and repeating leaf motifs. In terms of condition, the pieces appear highly reflective with no obvious large chips or cracks visible in the primary glaze surfaces, though typical minor crazing or 'flea bites' on the handle or rim edges would be expected for earthenware of this vintage. The set displays high-quality relief work, likely dating from the mid-to-late 20th century. The consistent coloration across the different pieces indicates they were produced as a matched set, maintained in very good aesthetic condition within a wooden cabinet display.