Glazed Terracotta Rectangular Dish

This is a rectangular ceramic dish, likely a small serving tray or butter dish base, featuring a heavy white glaze over a reddish ceramic body (terracotta). The underside reveals an unglazed rim where the terracotta's natural orange-brown hue is visible, providing a rustic contrast to the glossy white interior and exterior walls. The item features a hand-painted black inscription on the bottom that reads 'LEAD FREE', indicating a focus on food safety standard compliance. This marking is applied in a somewhat gestural, artisanal style rather than a factory stamp. The construction is solid with thick walls and rounded corners. In terms of condition, there is visible surface grime and one or two small dark specks under the glaze, typical of handmade or mass-produced economy pottery. A notable condition detail includes a rubber band wrapped around the center used for retail grouping, and a modern retail sticker from Goodwill indicating its current resale status. The piece lacks a formal maker's mark, suggesting it may be a contemporary boutique or mass-imported piece designed for modern kitchen use. Its simple aesthetic and 'lead free' claim suggest a late 20th to early 21st-century production era.

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