Lot 750: A Footed Majolica Centerpiece Bowl with Reticulated Basketweave and Waterfowl Base

A polychrome earthenware footed centerpiece bowl featuring a shallow rounded basin. The upper register of the bowl is decorated in relief with a repeating pattern of floral medallions in alternating red and purple glazes against a green foliate ground. Below this, the bowl features a reticulated lattice or basketweave design with diamond-shaped piercings. The bowl rests upon a complex figural base consisting of three supports shaped as seated waterfowl, possibly ducks or geese, with green, purple, and red plumage. These figures are perched upon brown gnarled branch-like structures and green leafy feet. The interior is finished in a plain cream-coloured lead glaze. The base features several unglazed areas on the feet and central support. An incised mark is present on the largest unglazed patch of the central support, consisting of the digits 1 6 8 9. There are additional faint, illegible characters above these digits.