Dish - Tin-glazed terracotta (Maiolica / Delftware) - Mid-17th century

Large and prestigious parade or wall plate made in tin-glazed maiolica.
Interamente hand-painted in cobalt blue monocrome "Grand Feu" (great fire)
The object is decorated with the famous and refined geometric-vegetal motif known as the "Mimosa" decoration, an iconography introduced in the mid-18th century and strongly influenced by imported Chinese porcelain of the Qing dynasty.
The decoration develops in concentric circles around a central medallion densely packed with stylized flowering branches.
The lip (the broad edge) rhythmically repeats the same alternation of dotted inflorescences in clusters (hence the common name "mimosa") interrupted by fields of densely drawn parallel lines.
The back shows the classic wavy and thick surface, coated with a glossy off-white to grey glaze with small firing imperfections (pin-pricks in the glaze).
It bears on the back a numeric signature or cursive monogram painted by hand in blue (compatible with factory marks or painter's marks typical of the eighteenth century). constitutes an excellent indicator of authenticity for ceramics dating to the full eighteenth century.
This specific decorative pattern has aroused strong interest in international collecting and is historically contested between Dutch Delftware production and the prestigious contemporaneous English manufactories of Bristol and Wincanton, which faithfully copied its style. The flaws along the rim do not compromise the piece's historical value, but rather certify its authenticity and the nature of the ceramic paste of the period.
Measurements: Diameter 34 cm