Hand-Painted Mexican Ceramic Decorative Sphere

This is a vibrantly decorated ceramic sphere, likely intended as a decorative accent piece. It features a bright, glossy finish that suggests it might be glazed or lacquered. The dominant color on the top segment of the sphere is a rich, golden yellow, adorned with a large, stylized daisy-like flower in the center. The flower has a deep purple or maroon center ring, an outer ring of light purple, and numerous white or cream-colored petals with thin yellow outlines. Surrounding this central floral motif are radial yellow lines. The lower half of the sphere is divided into multiple geometric segments, each filled with distinct patterns and colors. These include sections with horizontal stripes in red, orange, and blue, as well as areas featuring small, multicolored squares or dots. The color palette is rich and diverse, utilizing primary and secondary colors such as red, orange, yellow, blue, green, and purple. The craftsmanship appears to be hand-painted, displaying a charming, folk art quality. Visible markings on the upper central yellow area include the partial word "MEX" likely indicating "Mexico" and a symbol or letter (possibly 'A') further along. The sphere appears to be in good condition with a consistent sheen, suggesting minimal wear or damage. Its construction is solid, indicative of traditional pottery techniques. The overall aesthetic points to a lively, perhaps cultural or celebratory theme, common in Mexican crafts. Its style appears to be contemporary folk art, possibly dating from the late 20th or early 21st century. The quality of painting showcases a steady hand and attention to detail, characteristic of artisan work.