Artwork
farfurie

farfurie is a print by the Romanticist artist Unknown. It dates from 1804 and is held in the collection of the Romanian Peasant Museum. The object is a round ceramic plate whose rim is adorned with a contrasting black‑and‑white band.
About this work
Overview
The object is a round ceramic plate whose rim is adorned with a contrasting black‑and‑white band. The central field features a stylised bird with outstretched wings, rendered in muted brown and yellow tones. Surrounding the avian figure are simplified flowers and leaves that share the same earthy palette, creating a cohesive decorative scheme.
Subject & Meaning
At the heart of the plate, the bird—depicted in profile with its wings extended—evokes themes of freedom and vitality common in folk visual traditions. The accompanying flora, rendered in comparable hues, reinforces a connection to the natural world, suggesting a harmonious relationship between animal and plant motifs within a domestic object.
Technique & Style
The plate is executed in low‑temperature ceramic glaze, employing a limited earth‑tone palette of browns and yellows that accentuate the folk‑art aesthetic. The decorative edge’s stark black‑and‑white pattern provides visual balance, while the overall design relies on simplified, repetitive forms characteristic of vernacular craft practiced during the Romantic era.
Context
Such ceramic pieces were produced within the broader Romanticism movement, when artists and artisans turned to regional traditions and natural subjects for inspiration. The emphasis on rustic colours and stylised motifs reflects a cultural interest in folk heritage, aligning the plate with contemporaneous decorative arts that celebrated local identity and the allure of the natural landscape.
Artist & collection



















