Rare 17th century Portuguese faience display plate enamelled in white, the decorative cobalt-blue composition following a pattern typical of Kraak porcelain plates from the Ming, Wanli period.

In the broad well an exuberant Iberian (sometimes referred to as Portuguese) shaped shield, filled by the nine wedges of the ‘Cunha’ family armorial, encircled by sophisticated foliage mantling in a deep shade of blue and surmounted by a close helmet insignia. On the lip, sectioned in eight segments, a continuous decorative band alternating ribbon wrapped artemisia leaves, small columns with suspended bows and seals, and bunches of stylised daisies.

On the reverse a symmetrical succession of seven identical arched motifs, centred by stylised flowers, alternating with vertical stripes.

Combining a European armorial with Chinese Kraak porcelain aesthetic motifs, this plate is a successful and well-balanced example of Portuguese faience production, embodying the main characteristics of its era.

The exuberance of the armorials reproduced in these 17th century display plates, does often reflect the social climbing of the wealthy merchant class — and its attempts at rivalling with the old aristocracy and high clergy — avid for these expensive and prestigious pieces, seen as symbols or power and conspicuous wealth.