This antique terracotta plate was created by the renowned 20th century master ceramist Luigi Motolese (1879–1952) from Grottaglie in southern Puglia. His work beautifully merged 19th-century peasant utilitarian pottery with polished modern folk art, helping establish Grottaglie's global reputation for signature artisanal earthenware. This specific piece dates back to the 1920s/30s and is a significant piece of regional Italian peasant pottery. The plate features the iconic "Galletto" (Cockerel / Rooster) in the centre standing atop a stylised yellow soil line. In Pugliese tradition, the rooster is a traditional symbol believed to ward off evil spirits, bring good fortune, and express fertility. Surrounding the central rooster is a complex, hand-painted pattern of stylised blue and yellow flowers framed by dark, twig-like lines. The entire dish is finished with a vibrant yellow rim, characteristic of historical rustic majolica from the Salento and Grottaglie areas. This antique plate would be perfect hung as wall art, or used in a table setting - especially when pared with the two rustic floral jugs from Puglia, as seen in the images.
Found in Lecce
the capital of the Salento famous for its Baroque architecture.
Dimensions: H3.5cm x W24.5cm x D24.5cm
These are handmade antique ceramics that are perfectly imperfect and some have been used for generations, so please expect some cracks, and chips, and discolouration. These individual characteristics are part of the charm and unique quality of each piece. Please note, colour may vary from screen to screen.
This antique terracotta plate was created by the renowned 20th century master ceramist Luigi Motolese (1879–1952) from Grottaglie in southern Puglia. His work beautifully merged 19th-century peasant utilitarian pottery with polished modern folk art, helping establish Grottaglie's global reputation for signature artisanal earthenware. This specific piece dates back to the 1920s/30s and is a significant piece of regional Italian peasant pottery. The plate features the iconic "Galletto" (Cockerel / Rooster) in the centre standing atop a stylised yellow soil line. In Pugliese tradition, the rooster is a traditional symbol believed to ward off evil spirits, bring good fortune, and express fertility. Surrounding the central rooster is a complex, hand-painted pattern of stylised blue and yellow flowers framed by dark, twig-like lines. The entire dish is finished with a vibrant yellow rim, characteristic of historical rustic majolica from the Salento and Grottaglie areas. This antique plate would be perfect hung as wall art, or used in a table setting - especially when pared with the two rustic floral jugs from Puglia, as seen in the images.
Found in Lecce
the capital of the Salento famous for its Baroque architecture.
Dimensions: H3.5cm x W24.5cm x D24.5cm
These are handmade antique ceramics that are perfectly imperfect and some have been used for generations, so please expect some cracks, and chips, and discolouration. These individual characteristics are part of the charm and unique quality of each piece. Please note, colour may vary from screen to screen.
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