PORTUGESE MAJOLICA MANUEL CIPRIANO GOMES/MANUEL MAFRA PALISSY WARE MONKEY CANDLEHOLDERS.1860-1897. One of the pair incised M. Mafra, Caldro, Portugal. Pair of polychrome glazed monkey figures scaling a tree candleholders. 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. - 6 1/8" high. Estimate $400-600
One having a repair to upper rim and chip to the base verso, as well as a missing tree limb stump. The second in very good condition, aside from a crack to the bottom of the candle holder reservoir.
