Table service (2) - Faience - A Nun's Dish and Bowl






Has over 30 years of experience in archaeology and is an appraiser specialising in archaeological objects.
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Pair of Talavera tin-glazed earthenware plate and bowl from the early 19th century, with cobalt blue decoration and an inscription for Sor María Vicenta de la Presentación, dimensions 20 × 20 × 5 cm (plate) and 15 × 15 × 7 cm (bowl), in good overall condition with some superficial cracks.
Description from the seller
This exquisite set of Talavera earthenware, dating from the early 19th century, serves as a poignant testament to the devotional and utilitarian art of Baroque and transitional-era Spain. Comprising a bowl and its matching basin, the set reflects the deeply rooted monastic custom of commissioning personal, inalienable items for nuns upon their formal profession into a convent. Crafted with a milky-white tin-glaze finish, the pieces feature refined cobalt-blue decoration, applied with a steady hand; notable elements include vegetal borders, stylized garlands, and geometric lacelike patterns—all characteristic of the Castilian tradition.
The uniqueness of this pair lies in its personalized nature, as it bears a prominent inscription identifying its intended owner: "SOR MARÍA VICENTA DE LA PRESENTACIÓN." The meticulous, formal lettering—framed by delicate blue lines along the upper rim of the bowl and repeated on the basin—transforms these everyday refectory items into singular commemorative pieces, rich with symbolic meaning. Through its understated elegance and timeless two-tone palette, this set encapsulates the mastery of the Talavera de la Reina potteries, bridging the formal beauty of traditional folk ceramics with the spiritual intimacy of cloistered life.
- White and blue Talavera tin-glazed earthenware.
- In good overall condition. Some superficial cracks.
- Private collection in Madrid.
- DIMENSIONS: 20 x 20 x 5 cm (PLATE) 15 x 15 x 7 cm (BOWL)
Seller's Story
This exquisite set of Talavera earthenware, dating from the early 19th century, serves as a poignant testament to the devotional and utilitarian art of Baroque and transitional-era Spain. Comprising a bowl and its matching basin, the set reflects the deeply rooted monastic custom of commissioning personal, inalienable items for nuns upon their formal profession into a convent. Crafted with a milky-white tin-glaze finish, the pieces feature refined cobalt-blue decoration, applied with a steady hand; notable elements include vegetal borders, stylized garlands, and geometric lacelike patterns—all characteristic of the Castilian tradition.
The uniqueness of this pair lies in its personalized nature, as it bears a prominent inscription identifying its intended owner: "SOR MARÍA VICENTA DE LA PRESENTACIÓN." The meticulous, formal lettering—framed by delicate blue lines along the upper rim of the bowl and repeated on the basin—transforms these everyday refectory items into singular commemorative pieces, rich with symbolic meaning. Through its understated elegance and timeless two-tone palette, this set encapsulates the mastery of the Talavera de la Reina potteries, bridging the formal beauty of traditional folk ceramics with the spiritual intimacy of cloistered life.
- White and blue Talavera tin-glazed earthenware.
- In good overall condition. Some superficial cracks.
- Private collection in Madrid.
- DIMENSIONS: 20 x 20 x 5 cm (PLATE) 15 x 15 x 7 cm (BOWL)
