Minho slibaardewerk - Platter - Terracotta Rooster with Stars • Portugal • circa 1960–1970 - Earthenware

Hundreds of slip patterns, drawn one by one, form the rooster with its comb and upright tail feathers. Four stars surround him, a band of dotted triangles runs along the edge. This terracotta bowl from the Minho region in Portugal was wheel-thrown on the disk, with two ear handles and a rope-rim. Under the lead glaze the creamy-white dots stand out sharply against the orange-red terracotta.

Description:
A round, shallow bowl 3.5 x 25 x 22 centimeters, with two added ear handles. A potter shaped it on a wheel from iron-rich clay and let the slip flow in dots with a horn: the rooster between four stars, an edge of dotted triangles, a rope band on the rim and on the ears. Inside there is lead glaze, which makes the slip look cream-yellow. The underside is unglazed, with turning marks and trimming traces. A frigideira like this was baked for fish, meat or casseroles, used for kneading broa de milho and carried feijoada on the ears to the family table.

About the maker:
This slipware follows the Minho tradition of the loiça de Barcelos; Barcelos already had 101 workshops in 1890. The rooster is the Galo de Barcelos, a symbol of luck, justice and celebrating life; the six-pointed star is considered a protective sign. Probably from the 1960s-1970s.

In the interior:
On a wooden table in the evening light the terracotta glows and the rooster emerges from the dots.

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Condition:
Good. Underside: wear and scratches in the glaze, small pits and glaze misses, consistent with used earthenware. Mirror, edge and handles: no cracks, flakes or repairs observed. Lead glaze: not suitable for food use. See the pictures.

In a glance:
Material: red-fired earthenware, wheel-thrown, slip decoration under lead glaze
Dimensions and weight: h 3.5 x w 25 x d 22 cm, 570 grams
Brand: without factory mark; origin determined by form, technique and decoration
Dating: 20th century, presumably 1960s-1970s
Origin: Portugal, Minho; from an antique shop

Description and sources:
From the Minho in North Portugal, in the tradition of the loiça de Barcelos: red-fired folk pottery with slip decoration. Similar bowls with a dotted rooster and ear handles are made in Portugal, including by Soceramica and in the Minho. Type frigideira, decor and glaze are consistent.

Shipping:
Professionally packaged in a sturdy box with padding material, for fragile objects a double box. Always insured with Track and Trace. More than 1,100 reviews from previous buyers; see the feedback.