Cantagalli Pottery Appraisal

Cantagalli Hand-Painted Ceramic Tureen with Underplate

This item is a Cantagalli handmade Italian ceramic covered serving dish, likely a soup tureen or a casserole dish, accompanied by a matching underplate. Both pieces are crafted from white earthenware or majolica, consistent with traditional Tuscan ceramics. The dominant ornamentation is a hand-painted floral motif featuring stylized red or pink tulips with green leaves and stems, scattered artistically across the white glazed surface. The lid is crowned with a three-dimensional, hand-painted fig-shaped finial in shades of green and brown, resting on a painted green leaf base. The dish itself features two small handles, detailed with a subtle striped or textured pattern in a tan or light brown hue. The rim of the underplate and possibly the dish also have a thin, hand-painted orange or light brown band, adding a subtle border. The glazing appears lustrous and has a slightly irregular, handcrafted quality, indicating its artisan origin. There are visible signs of use and age, including what appears to be crazing in the glaze, particularly noticeable on the underplate and potentially the dish itself, which is common for older majolica pieces and affects value. Small chips or wear might be present along the edges, but are not clearly discernible from the provided images. As Cantagalli ceramics from Florence are known for their high quality and traditional styles, this piece likely dates from the late 19th to mid-20th century, though a more precise age would require examination of any maker's marks, which are not visible here. The hand-painted details exhibit a folk-art charm, characteristic of regional Italian pottery. The craftsmanship is indicative of skilled artisans, with attention to detail in both the form and the applied decoration. The overall condition, especially the visible crazing, points to its age and authentic character as a vintage or antique piece.