Large Decorative Glazed Plate from Central Italy, Late 19th – Early 20th Century

An important decorative ceramic plate with a metallic lustre, made in central Italy between the late 19th century and the early 20th century. The piece stands out for the richly sculpted rim, featuring scrollwork, foliage, and cartouches in relief, embellished with iridescent copper-colored reflections typical of the lustro technique.At the center is depicted a refined scene in the Neo-Renaissance and Classicist style, inspired by the iconography of antiquity. The composition depicts a family gathered around a domestic altar on which a sacred flame burns. A veiled female figure performs a ritual gesture of offering, while a seated man with a child observes the ceremony; opposite them, an authoritative figure witnesses the scene. The scene appears to evoke a votive sacrifice or a family rite dedicated to the household’s guardian deities, a theme particularly prized in the decorative arts between the 19th and 20th centuries for its appeal to the values of family, tradition, and continuity.The elegant polychrome decoration, dominated by shades of ruby red, blue, and gold, is enhanced by the iridescent effects of the lustre, which lend depth and vibrancy to the entire surface. The quality of the craftsmanship and the rich ornamentation make this plate a piece of great decorative impact, ideal both as a collector’s item and as a significant piece of home décor.Good condition with normal, slight signs of wear consistent with its age. Dimensions: Diameter: 42 cm Period: Late 19th – early 20th century Provenance: Central Italy Material: Ceramic decorated with polychrome metallic lustre.