Round dish with fighting lizard and snake

Manuel Mafra

1865–87 · Glazed earthenware · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Portugese Palissy ware differs considerably from French examples, thanks to the work of Manuel Cipriano Gomes Mafra. Originally working as a waiter, Mafra moved to the town of Caldas da Rainha to work at the famed factory of Maria dos Cacos, which he soon took over. At Caldas, Mafra pioneered a style of Palissy ware that featured a distinctive usage of moss as a decorative bed for fish, lizards, and insects, a style quickly adopted by other Portuguese manufacturers of Palissy ware.

Artist

Manuel Mafra

Date

1865–87

Medium

Glazed earthenware

Culture

Portugal, Caldas de Rainha

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Wallis Katz, in memory of Marshall Katz, and in celebration of the Museum's 150th anniversary, 2020