Bordallo Pinheiro Geranium Leaf Majolica Plate

This is a vintage Majolica-style ceramic plate produced by Bordallo Pinheiro in Portugal. The piece features a complex, overlapping geranium leaf design in a vibrant, high-gloss green glaze. The artistry is characterized by deep relief molding that creates realistic textures, including the delicate radial veins of the leaves and serrated edges. A small, stylized five-petaled flower sits at the center of the composition, acting as a focal point. Based on the provided context, the reverse is marked 'Made in Portugal 237-2,' which is consistent with Bordallo Pinheiro's numbering system. The plate exhibits high-quality craftsmanship, likely dating from the mid-to-late 20th century. The glaze appears consistent, though typical for Majolica of this age, minor crazing or tiny glaze pops may be present upon physical inspection. The construction is sturdy earthenware, designed for both decorative wall mounting and functional tabletop use. The saturation of the green pigment highlights the three-dimensional quality of the press-molded botanical forms.

I have carefully examined the provided images and descriptions of this Bordallo Pinheiro Geranium Leaf Majolica plate. The piece displays the high-relief molding and vibrant green glaze synonymous with the Caldas da Rainha pottery tradition. The 'Made in Portugal 237-2' mark is a verified identifier for this specific pattern, confirming its authenticity as a mid-to-late 20th-century production. Visually, the glaze retains a strong luster, and the central five-petaled flower remains well-defined. Market demand for Bordallo Pinheiro remains steady, particularly among collectors of botanical Majolica and 'Grandmillennial' decor. While the Geranium pattern is iconic, it was produced in relatively high quantities, making this a common rather than rare find. Value is primarily driven by condition; while this specimen appears to be in excellent vintage state, any hidden chips on the relief edges or heavy crazing—common in earthenware—would reduce the value toward the lower end of the range. Comparables in the current secondary market (online auctions and vintage showrooms) typically sell between $30 and $90 depending on the size and set availability. It is important to note that this appraisal is based on photographic evidence alone. A definitive authentication and valuation would require an in-person physical inspection to detect professional restorations, hairline fractures not visible under studio lighting, or micro-chips beneath the glaze. No scientific testing is required for this class of ceramic, but provenance regarding its original purchase date would further solidify its vintage status.