Portuguese hand-painted porcelain trinket box or small lidded box
Estimated Value
$20-$60
A small rectangular ceramic box with rounded corners, decorated with a pale floral motif on the sides and a glossy glazed finish. The underside is marked by hand with 'P.L. Valado made in Portugal' and appears to include initials or a maker's mark. The piece has a decorative maroon/burgundy border around the base and a light blue underside glaze. The style suggests a souvenir, giftware, or decorative tabletop item rather than a high-end antique. The craftsmanship appears hand-finished, but the form and marking indicate modern production.
Era
Late 20th century to early 21st century
Origin
Portugal
Material
Glazed porcelain or fine earthenware with hand-painted decoration
Condition
Good overall condition with visible age-related wear to the base edge and some scuffing/discoloration on the footrim; no obvious major cracks or chips visible from this view
Physical Details
Dimensions
Approximately 4 to 6 inches long, 2 to 3 inches wide, and 1.5 to 2.5 inches tall
Weight
Light
Authentication
Authenticity Score
Medium - The handwritten 'made in Portugal' mark is consistent with genuine Portuguese ceramic production, but the exact maker and age cannot be confirmed from this single image
Provenance
Likely made in Portugal, possibly for export as decorative giftware or souvenir ware. The handwritten mark suggests a small workshop or studio production, but the exact maker is unknown.
Historical Significance
Portuguese decorative ceramics have a long tradition, and many late 20th-century pieces were exported widely. While this example is not likely historically significant on its own, it reflects the continued popularity of hand-painted ceramic giftware and regional craft production in Portugal.
Restoration Notes
- •No clear evidence of restoration visible in the provided image
- •Minor surface wear and edge discoloration consistent with age/use
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