Hand-Painted Oval Ceramic Portrait Platter

An oval-shaped ceramic platter featuring a hand-painted whimsical portrait of four women against a deep cobalt blue background. The four figures are depicted from the shoulders up, each with unique, stylized features including large blue eyes, rosy circular cheeks, and distinct hairstyles in shades of brown and reddish-brown. The women are wearing tops in contrasting colors: charcoal grey, bright yellow, teal, and tan. The painting style is naive or 'folk art' in nature, characterized by bold outlines and flat planes of color. The base material appears to be a light-colored earthenware or stoneware, visible on the broad white rim. Measuring approximately 12 to 14 inches in length, the piece is signed and dated 'Jan 02' in the lower right area of the character grouping, suggesting a contemporary creation from the year 2002. The glaze appears consistent, though there is some minor crazing or surface peppering visible upon close inspection of the cream-colored rim, which is common in hand-fired ceramics. The condition is generally good with no visible chips or major cracks, reflecting a decorative folk-art aesthetic likely intended for display rather than heavy utility use. The craftsmanship is expressive and personal, indicating a studio pottery origin rather than mass production.