Vintage Italian Hand-Painted Scallop Shell 2-Tier Ceramic Serving Dish

This is a vintage Italian ceramic serving dish designed in the shape of overlapping scallop shells. The piece is constructed from molded ceramic with a high-gloss, gradient glaze that transitions from a warm cream or off-white at the base of the shells to a soft, ethereal blue at the outer edges. The craftsmanship features intricate, radial ridges that mimic the natural texture of a pecten shell, providing both visual and tactile depth. It consists of a larger base shell with a smaller shell integrated above it, likely intended as a 'chip and dip' style tray or a tiered nut dish. Based on the provided context, the underside is marked 'Italy', which is a hallmark of mid-to-late 20th-century Italian majolica or novelty ceramics exported during the 1960s or 70s. The glaze appears consistent and well-applied with a notable luster, and there are no immediate signs of major structural damage like cracks or chips visible in the photo, though light surface crazing and minor foot-rim wear are typical for items of this age and material. The organic form and hand-painted gradients reflect the coastal aesthetic often produced in ceramics from regions like Bassano or the Amalfi Coast.