Figure of a coiled snake in earthenware painted with black and brown enamels, glazed, probably made in the workshop of Manuel Mafra, Caldas da Rainha, Portugal, ca.1870-80

Figure of a snake in earthenware painted with black and brown enamels. In three coils forming an 'S'. Impressed with a repeated oval pattern.

Given by Major Kenneth Dingwall, DSO.

Manuel Cipriano Gomes (1831-1905) was born in a village near Mafra. In 1850, he moved to Caldas da Rainha, a spa town in central west Portugal known for ceramic making. He adopted the name Mafra and set up his workshop in 1853, having purchased the existing workshop of Maria dos Cacos, for whom he had at first worked. In about 1870, he gained royal patronage. In 1887, his son Edouardo Augusto joined the business for a time but left for a political career. Mafra died in 1905. The artisanal workshop specialised in zoomorphic vessels and wares inspired by the work of Palissy (France, 16th century).

Figures of snakes feature as part of the decoration on plates and vases produced by Palissy and his many contemporary and nineteenth-century followers.

C.429-1915