“Aranhões” Plate
Author: Unknown
Origin: Portugal
Dating: 1650-1680
Material: Clay
Dimensions (cm): Ø 39,5
Inv. no.: PD0063
Faience plate – known as “aranhões” plate – painted in blue and vinous, decorated with an owl. Its wide edge displays pairs of stylised peaches alternating with artemisia leaves.
The “aranhões” theme originated of a simplistic interpretation of the Chinese porcelain motifs by Portuguese potters. The artemisia leaves, for instance, were a frequently used Buddhist symbol in the decoration of kraak porcelain, which arrived abundantly in Europe by the 17th century.
