Pair of large wall plates Palissy Álvaro José Caldas da Rainha early 20th century

Spectacular pair of large naturalistic wall plates in polychrome faience, made by Álvaro José in Caldas da Rainha, Portugal, in the early 20th century. With a significant diameter of 32 cm, each plate features a marine decoration in very high relief: one centred on a spider crab, the other on a lobster, surrounded by mussels, shells, and marine vegetation on a sandy-textured background. The borders are animated with polychrome glazes in deep tones of green, blue, brown, and ochre. The richness of the modelling is particularly remarkable: the crustaceans are treated almost like applied sculptures, with meticulous work on the shells, legs, and antennae. The various shells and plant elements enhance the naturalistic character typical of the Palissy ceramics tradition from Caldas da Rainha. Both plates bear the old impressed mark "Álvaro José – Caldas" on the reverse. Sold only as a pair. Technical details. • Manufacturer: Álvaro José. • Mark: impressed mark "Álvaro José – Caldas" • Origin: Caldas da Rainha, Portugal. • Period: early 20th century. • Style: Palissy / naturalistic. • Material: glazed faience. • Decoration: polychrome relief, crustaceans, shells, and marine vegetation. • Set: pair. • Subjects: spider crab and lobster. • Presentation: wall plates, perforation on the reverse for hanging. Dimensions. • Diameter: 32 cm / 12.6 in each. • Weight: approximately 2 kg each. • Total weight: approximately 4 kg. Condition. Very good antique condition considering the complexity and significant relief of the decoration. Presence of slight signs of age and irregularities inherent to the manufacturing process. One leg of the lobster has undergone discreet restoration. The photographs are an integral part of the condition description. REF: NEB5860726.