Large Polychrome Glazed Earthenware Bowl—from Lyon Or The Dauphiné Region—late 16th / Early 17th Century

Large polychrome glazed earthenware bowl – from the Lyon or Dauphiné region – late 16th / early 17th century

Large hollow bowl in polychrome glazed terracotta, likely produced regionally in the Lyon or Dauphiné region, dating from the late 16th or early 17th century.

The piece, entirely wheel-thrown, rests on a marked ring foot. It features a particularly free and expressive polychrome decoration, combining shades of turquoise blue, green, and manganese on a light background.

The decoration consists of large, stylized plant motifs distributed around the rim and within the bowl of the cup, while the rim is outlined with a green border.

The antique glaze exhibits a very fine and particularly dense network of crackles, accompanied by firing and application irregularities characteristic of antique glazed earthenware.

With its clay body, shaping, ring foot, and polychrome decoration, this bowl is fully representative of regional productions from the Lyon and Dauphiné regions of the late 16th and early 17th centuries.

The reverse side, partially glazed, largely reveals the terracotta as well as traces of wheel-throwing and fabrication.

A few small chips, areas where the glaze is missing, and signs of wear are visible. However, these are very minor given the piece’s age.

The overall condition is remarkable for a ceramic of this period, especially considering its large diameter and the natural fragility of this type of glazed earthenware.

A beautiful piece of antique regional ceramics, highly decorative and particularly expressive.

Period: late 16th – early 17th century
Probable origin: Lyon or the Dauphiné region
Polychrome glazed terracotta

Dimensions:
Diameter: 28 cm
Height: 9 cm