A wonderfully decorative antique Spanish Fajalauza Lebrillo, hand-painted in rich cobalt blue with a stylised central floral design surrounded by bold concentric motifs.
Originating from the traditional pottery workshops of Granada, southern Spain, Fajalauza ceramics are instantly recognisable for their expressive hand-painted decoration and distinctive tin-glazed earthenware. This example has a particularly strong design, with the central flowering plant framed by wonderfully free, almost rhythmic bands of blue decoration around the sides of the bowl.
Originally made as practical household vessels, lebrillos were large, shallow earthenware bowls used for a variety of domestic purposes. Today their scale, individuality and wonderfully naïve decoration make them highly sought-after decorative pieces.
Particularly appealing is the bowl's historic repair. A crack has been secured using three old metal staples, a traditional method of repairing valuable pottery before modern adhesives became available. Rather than disguising its history, the repair has become part of the character and story of the piece.
33 cm Diameter x 9 cm Height
Antique Spanish Lebrillo bowl
Fajalauza pottery
Hand-painted cobalt blue decoration
Stylised floral design
Glazed earthenware
Traditional historic staple repair
Granada, Spain
Antique
Decorative use recommended
Condition
Good antique condition with wear and imperfections consistent with age and use.
There is one historic crack which has been secured with three traditional metal staples. The repair is stable and clearly visible, particularly on the exterior of the bowl, and forms an interesting part of its history and character.
There is also age-related wear to the glaze, small marks and minor imperfections associated with antique, hand-made pottery.
Please study the photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.
Why We Love It
The cobalt decoration on this bowl is fabulous. The central floral motif is relatively restrained, but the wonderfully bold concentric patterns surrounding it give the bowl enormous energy and make every part of the piece interesting.
We particularly love the old stapled repair. It is a tangible reminder that this was once considered an object worth repairing and continuing to use rather than simply replacing.
Styling Tip
Display this lebrillo where its extraordinary decoration can really be appreciated. It would look beautiful standing on a dresser or console, displayed on a plate stand or incorporated into a collection of antique and contemporary blue and white ceramics.
Its generous 33 cm diameter also makes it a particularly effective decorative piece displayed flat in the centre of a large table.
SKU: 2386