PORTUGUESE MAJOLICA MANUEL CIPRIANO GOMES/MANUEL MAFRA PALISSY WARE SEATED MONKEY MUSICIAN FLOWER HOLDER,1860-1897. Incised to base M. Mafra, Caldro, Portugal. Polychrome glazed seated monkey musician figure playing a violin having five holes to back. Made by Manuel Cipriano Gomes (1830-1905), also known as Manuel Mafra, ceramics manufacturer in Caldas, Portugal. As the first Portuguese ceramist working in the style of Bernard Palissy, Mafras ceramics were commissioned by King Fernando II of Portugal in the 1860's, after which the manufactory stamped their wares with a royal crown. - 7" high. Estimate $400-600
Crazing to surface commensurate with age. Minor areas of loss to ends of 'grass'. Several chips to underside of base not impacting presentation. Otherwise, very good.
