CIRCA 1890, IMPRESSED M.(ANUEL) MAFRA CALDAS PORTUGAL AND ANCHOR MARK

It is believed that Manuel Cipriano Gomes Mafra (1830-1905) first began copying the Palissy style after viewing a plate of 16th or 19th century origin belonging to his friend. Rather than creating serene pond scenes typical of French Palissy ware, his works generally focus on 'the fierce struggle for survival, usually between snake and lizard.' For an in-depth discussion, see Marshall P. Katz, Portuguese Palissy Ware, New York, 1999, p. 26-27.