Antique Massarelos Sugar Bowl - Asiatic Pheasant Pattern with Lid and Two Handles

Antique Portuguese Sugar Bowl Massarelos - Asiatic Pheasant Pattern in Transferware

Authentic antique Portuguese sugar bowl from the historic Massarelos Pottery Factory (founded in 1766 in Porto), featuring the classic "Asiatic Pheasant" pattern in brown transferware on a cream background. The piece has two decorated handles and an original lid with a floral knob.

Part Characteristics

• Manufacturer: Massarello Port - Massarelos Pottery Factory, Porto (founded in 1766)
• Pattern: Asiatic Pheasant - classic chinoiserie-inspired design
• Technique: Transferware (intaglio) in sepia brown on earthenware.
• Decoration: Pheasants, peonies, chrysanthemums and oriental foliage.
• Shape: Domed body with two decorated volute handles and a lid with a floral handle.

Design and Functionality

This sugar bowl features an elegant and functional design, with a domed body that provides ample storage capacity. The two scroll handles, decorated with the same transferware pattern, facilitate handling and add symmetry to the piece. The lid has a delicate flower-shaped knob and is richly decorated with floral motifs and the characteristic geometric mesh pattern.

The Asiatic Pheasant Pattern

The "Asiatic Pheasant" pattern is one of the most iconic transferware designs in the history of European ceramics, inspired by Chinese decorative art. The composition features exotic pheasants among lush peonies, chrysanthemums, and oriental foliage, creating a naturalistic scene of great beauty.

In this piece, the decoration generously covers the body of the sugar bowl, both handles and the lid, with delicate floral motifs that intertwine harmoniously. Sepia brown transferware on a cream earthenware background creates a soft and elegant contrast.

Transferware Technique (Calcography)

The technique of transferware or intaglio printing consists of transferring a design engraved on copper to the surface of ceramics using tissue paper. This process allowed for the reproduction of complex designs with great detail and consistency, becoming very popular in the 19th and 20th centuries.

About the Massarelos Factory

The Massarelos Pottery Factory was founded in Porto in 1766, becoming one of the most important Portuguese ceramic manufacturers. The "MASSARELLO PORT" mark on the base, with a crown and laurels, identifies this piece as an authentic product of the Porto factory and attests to its historical origin.

Period and Dating

This piece likely dates from the late 19th or early 20th century, the golden age of transferware production in Portugal, when the Asiatic Pheasant pattern was extremely popular.

State of Conservation

Antique sugar bowl in good condition for its age (over 100 years), with signs of vintage use that lend authenticity and historical character. The transferware decoration remains well preserved with good definition of the motifs. Original lid included. Minor signs of natural wear consistent with a piece of historical use.

An ideal piece for collectors of Portuguese transferware, to complete antique tea/coffee sets, for those who appreciate historical ceramics with oriental patterns, or for decorative use. A testament to the ceramic tradition of Porto and the influence of chinoiserie aesthetics in Europe.