A stunning large Egyptian Fayoum ceramic serving dish, individually handmade and hand-painted by artisan potter Hakeem in the village of Tunis. Featuring two beautifully stylised palm trees, known as Nakhlateen, the distinctive design celebrates the natural beauty and traditional folk art of Egypt's Fayoum Oasis.
Measuring an impressive 40 cm in diameter, this generously proportioned dish features two elegant palm trees with intricately patterned blue trunks, sweeping turquoise-green fronds and delicate clusters of red dates. The rich cobalt blue brushwork contrasts beautifully with the soft ivory background, creating a wonderfully expressive and striking botanical design.
The gently curved form, natural terracotta-coloured rim and spontaneous hand-painted decoration give this remarkable piece a wonderful sense of character. Beautiful enough to display as a decorative centrepiece, it is a lovely example of the individual craftsmanship for which Egyptian Fayoum pottery is renowned.
Dimensions: 40 cm Diameter
Hand washing recommended
Avoid sudden changes in temperature
Handmade and hand-painted earthenware
Design: Nakhlateen - Two Stylised Palm Trees
Colours: Cobalt Blue, Turquoise Green, Red and Ivory
Handmade by artisan potter Hakeem
Origin: Tunis Village, Fayoum, Egypt
Model Number: HK009-C
Each piece is individually handmade, with natural variations in shape, colour, glaze and decoration.
Traditional Egyptian Fayoum Pottery
This beautiful Egyptian pottery is handmade in the small oasis village of Tunis in Fayoum, using traditional techniques and local materials, including clay sourced from Aswan in the Nile Valley.
The revival of pottery in Tunis is closely associated with Swiss-born ceramic artist Evelyne Porret, who established the Fayoum Pottery School in the 1980s. Her work helped introduce new generations of local artisans to traditional pottery techniques and distinctive decorative styles.
Today, Tunis is renowned for its community of independent pottery workshops, where skilled artisans create wonderfully individual ceramics inspired by the surrounding oasis landscape.
Birds, flowers, palm trees and other elements of the natural world feature prominently in the designs, often interpreted in a charmingly free and naïve style. Each piece celebrates the creativity of its maker, with subtle variations in form, pattern and colour making every item unique.
Why We Love It
We love the wonderfully bold yet elegant composition of the two palm trees. Their beautifully patterned cobalt blue trunks and sweeping turquoise fronds create a striking contrast against the soft ivory glaze, while the little clusters of red dates add a delightful decorative detail.
The generous proportions and expressive hand-painted design make this a particularly beautiful example of traditional Egyptian Fayoum pottery.
Styling Tip
Display this impressive 40 cm dish as a centrepiece on a large dining table, kitchen island or sideboard, where its distinctive palm tree decoration can be fully appreciated.
Alternatively, place it upright on a sturdy plate stand to showcase the beautiful hand-painted design. It also looks wonderful alongside other Egyptian Fayoum ceramics, creating an eclectic collection of traditional botanical and animal motifs.
SKU: 2491