Hand Painted Portuguese Serving Plate

This striking hand-crafted Portuguese plate features a richly symbolic design of two bulls beneath a flourishing tree, framed by a repeating geometric border in cobalt and tan. The piece is made from traditional red clay, giving it a warm earthen base that beautifully contrasts with the deep blue glaze. Every element—from the carved motifs to the layered glazing—reveals the tactile character of studio pottery found throughout Portugal’s coastal markets and countryside workshops.

Both rustic and refined, the plate reflects the strong visual language of Portuguese folk ceramics: bold symmetry, storytelling imagery, and natural motifs that celebrate the land and its animals. The twin bulls, set among stylized leaves and grasses, suggest strength, fertility, and balance—common symbols in Iberian art and mythology.

Perfect as a statement serving dish or a decorative wall piece, this large plate carries the charm of handmade craftsmanship. Purchased from a flea market in Portugal, it bears the spirit of the region’s ceramic tradition—earthy, enduring, and full of quiet narrative beauty.

Dimension: 12.5 inches x 2 inches

Condition: Excellent vintage condition, minimal wear consistent with handmade character