Artwork

farfurie

farfurie, by Unknown, 1873
farfurie, by Unknown, 1873

farfurie is a photography by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 1873 and is held in the collection of the ASTRA National Museum Complex. The object is a circular ceramic plate featuring a scalloped rim.

About this work

Overview

The object is a circular ceramic plate featuring a scalloped rim. The edge is painted with alternating blue and green wave‑like bands, while the central field displays a stylized floral motif rendered in blue, composed of swirling leaves and dotted accents. The background is predominantly white, and the side panels contain small brown‑orange shapes that suggest abstract waves or flame forms.

Subject & Meaning

The composition’s simplicity and bright palette imply a functional object intended for everyday use rather than solely ceremonial display.

The central design draws on a conventional floral pattern frequently encountered in folk pottery, where stylized blossoms and foliage symbolize fertility and abundance. The surrounding wave and flame‑like elements may evoke water and fire, balancing natural forces within a domestic context. The composition’s simplicity and bright palette imply a functional object intended for everyday use rather than solely ceremonial display.

Technique & Style

The plate is executed in low‑temperature earthenware, with hand‑applied slip painting applied after the first firing. The limited color scheme—blue, green, and brown‑orange on a white ground—reflects a restrained palette typical of regional utilitarian ceramics. Bold outlines and simplified forms give the decoration a modern clarity while retaining the hand‑crafted aesthetic of traditional folk ware.

History & Provenance

While the precise origin of the plate is not documented, its decorative vocabulary aligns with 20th‑century folk pottery traditions in Eastern Europe, where similar wave borders and stylized floral centers were common. The use of a scalloped edge and the particular color combination suggest production in a workshop catering to domestic households rather than elite patrons.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known