Ceramic Lidded Box Appraisal

Hand-Painted Floral Ceramic Lidded Box (Talavera Style)

This is a hand-painted ceramic lidded box, likely of Talavera or similar folk art pottery tradition. The item is predominantly white, serving as a background for vibrant floral and botanical motifs. The lid is rounded and domed, featuring a large central flower with light blue petals, a yellow center, surrounded by dark blue berries or small circular elements and green leaves. The decorative elements on the lid are intricately arranged, indicating careful hand-painting. The body of the box is globular or squat, mirroring the rounded shape of the lid. It features a wide band of dark blue around its rim, where the lid rests, providing a clear separation from the body's design. The main body of the box continues the floral theme, with scattered light blue and yellow circular elements that could represent buds or abstract flowers, interspersed with green leaves. The overall color palette is bright and cheerful, dominated by blues, greens, and yellow against the white base. The ceramic appears to be glazed, giving it a glossy finish which enhances the vividness of the colors. Visible craftsmanship suggests hand-forming and hand-painting due to slight irregularities in the brushstrokes and patterns, which are characteristic of artisanal work rather than mass-produced items. No specific maker's marks or signatures are discernible from the provided images. The condition appears good overall, with no obvious chips, cracks, or significant wear visible, though minor surface irregularities consistent with handmade pottery may be present. The aesthetic points to a probable mid-20th century to contemporary period, embracing traditional folk art styles.