Vista Alegre Octagonal Plate with Bamboo - Oriental Decoration and Geometric Rim

Vista Alegre Octagonal Plate with Bamboo Decoration - Oriental Inspiration

Elegant octagonal Vista Alegre porcelain plate decorated with delicate hand-painted bamboo branches in the center and a sophisticated geometric border in green, red, and gold. A piece that celebrates the oriental influence on Portuguese porcelain.

Part Characteristics

• Manufacturer: Vista Alegre - a Portuguese tradition since 1824
• Brand: "18 VA 24 PORTUGAL" with crown and Vista Alegre Fabuna mark
• Shape: Octagonal (eight sides) with a smooth edge.
• Centerpiece Decoration: Hand-painted bamboo branches in green and brown.
• Border: Geometric pattern in turquoise green, rust red, and gold.
• Finish: Gold trim on the outer edge.

Bamboo Decoration

The center of the plate features a delicate painting of three bamboo stalks in reddish-brown tones, with stylized leaves in turquoise green. The bamboo is depicted with its characteristic segmented nodes and gracefully extending lanceolate leaves, creating a balanced and naturalistic composition.

In Eastern art and symbolism, bamboo represents strength, flexibility, longevity, and integrity—qualities that make it a highly prized decorative motif in Asian-inspired porcelain.

Sophisticated Geometric Border

The octagonal border is decorated with an elaborate geometric pattern that combines vertical elements in turquoise green and rust red on a white background, creating a stylized lattice or bamboo effect. This pattern is framed by a gold fillet on the outer edge, adding luxury and sophistication to the piece.

The border design evokes the geometric patterns of oriental decorative art, particularly the bamboo fence motifs (takegaki) of Japanese art, reinterpreted through European sensibility.

Octagonal shape

The octagonal (eight-sided) shape is not only aesthetically interesting, but also carries oriental symbolism. In Chinese culture, the number eight is considered auspicious, associated with prosperity and good fortune. This shape was frequently used in Asian-inspired porcelain produced in Europe.

Marking and Dating

The mark "18 VA 24 PORTUGAL" with a crown indicates Vista Alegre production, while the additional mark "Vista Alegre Fabuna" suggests a specific production line or period. The number 24 may refer to the pattern or shape of the piece.

Orientalism in Vista Alegre

During the 19th and 20th centuries, Vista Alegre, like many European manufacturers, was influenced by Orientalism and Asian aesthetics. The factory produced numerous pieces with bamboo motifs, oriental flowers, and geometric patterns inspired by Chinese and Japanese art, combining the technical excellence of Portuguese porcelain with the European fascination with the Far East.

State of Conservation

Plate in excellent condition. The bamboo painting remains vibrant with well-preserved colors. The geometric pattern on the rim is crisp and the gold trim shows minimal wear. No chips, cracks, or restorations. Piece ready for use or display.

An ideal piece for Vista Alegre collectors, for those who appreciate porcelain with oriental decoration, to complete tableware sets, or as a decorative wall piece. A testament to the oriental influence on Portuguese porcelain and the artistic versatility of Vista Alegre.