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Identification

Bianco di Faenza Style Cream-Glazed Earthenware Centerpiece Bowl & Underplate

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

Identified stylistically as a 'Bianco di Faenza' style centerpiece, characterized by its thick, opaque white/cream glaze and relief-molded decoration without polychrome painting.

Story

The 'Bianco di Faenza' style refers to a tradition of thick, opaque white tin-glazed earthenware originating in Faenza, Italy, which emphasizes sculptural form over painted decoration. During the mid-to-late 20th century, numerous factories in Italy and Portugal produced these relief-molded, monochromatic wares for the export market. Without a visible maker's mark, this piece is broadly attributed to Southern European mid-century commercial production.

Maker / Origin

Unattributed

Condition & Value

The piece appears structurally intact based on the provided description, and the presence of the matching underplate is a significant positive. However, the photos indicate brown spotting on the surface. It is currently unclear if this is removable surface dirt, permanent glaze crazing, or staining from use.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

Mid-century Southern European white-glazed ceramics (often marketed as creamware or 'blanc de chine' style) remain highly popular in the interior design market. Buyers are typically decorators or homeowners seeking large, sculptural centerpieces that fit 'grandmillennial' or traditional aesthetics. Because these items are bought primarily for their decorative impact rather than historical significance, scale, condition, and visual appeal drive the market more than specific factory attributions, though known makers do command a premium.

Value Drivers

▲ Complete two-piece set (bowl and underplate) commands a premium over single bowls.

▲ Highly textured, relief-molded design aligns well with current traditional interior decor trends.

▲ Neutral cream/white glaze maximizes buyer appeal across various interior color palettes.

Concerns

▼ Unverified base — a missing maker's mark keeps the estimate in unbranded, generic territory.

▼ Unknown dimensions — if the piece is smaller than 'grand' implies (e.g., under 10 inches), value drops significantly.

▼ Unverified brown spots — if this is permanent staining or deep crazing rather than dirt, it will deter retail buyers.

Best Venue

Carefully clean the piece with mild soap and water to determine if the brown spots are removable. Photograph the underside of both pieces to check for marks, and record the exact dimensions. Once documented, list the set on a decorative arts marketplace like Chairish or through a regional estate auction, emphasizing its scale and two-piece configuration.

Upside Potential

If a base mark is discovered that reveals a desirable Italian maker (e.g., Este Ceramiche, Richard Ginori) or a prominent luxury retailer (e.g., Mottahedeh, Tiffany & Co.), the value range shifts upward into the $500-$800 retail tier.

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 8 comps

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • Antique Swan
    Italian Creamware Pedestal Bowl with Rose Topiary Top
    Rose topiary top is a different form than an open centerpiece bowl.
    $3,895
  • Chairish
    Italian Creamware Oval Centerpiece Basket With Mixed Fruit Top
    Features a mixed fruit top (topiary style), whereas the subject is an open bowl.
    $3,310
  • Chairish
    1960s Large Scale Italian Creamware Fruit & Vegetable Topiary Centerpiece
    Topiary centerpiece is a decorative sculptural form, not an open bowl.
    $2,750
  • 1stDibs
    Rare & Important Antique English Large Wedgwood Queensware (Creamware) Centerpiece
    Early 19th-century English Wedgwood is a completely different era and market tier.
    $1,100
  • Freeman's Auction· 2026-02-27
    A White Glazed Earthenware Centerpiece
    Link could not be verified.
    $260
  • Dealer
    Vintage Savile Row Italy Seashell Ceramic Soup Tureen with Underplate Set
    Soup tureen is a covered serving dish, different form from an open centerpiece bowl.
    $145
  • Pook & Pook Inc
    Creamware centerpiece, early 20th c., with 5 shell
    Sale on record but hammer price not published.
    No price
  • Auctions at Showplace· 2021-11-11
    Italian White Glazed Ceramic Fruit Centerpiece
    Sale on record but hammer price not published.
    No price