A rare and early Portuguese faïence ewer dated 1635

A rare and early Portuguese faïence ewer dated 1635, the ovoid body painted in blue with yellow highlights, with a crowned heraldic lion holding a key, with a wreath above the date 1635, the reverse with stylized Oriental foliage and flowers, some restoration to the neck, foot and handle, 28cm.

This is possibly the earliest dated piece of polychrome Portuguese faïence, coming just 14 years after the earliest recorded piece of Portuguese faience - a blue and white bowl dated 1621 in the collection of the Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis, Porto - and three years before a ewer dated 1638, previously thought to be the earliest date on a piece of polychrome Portuguese faïence. The lion motif is used as both a decorative and armorial device on Portuguese faïence and can be seen on faïence decorated with the arms of the Da Silva family and other noble Portuguese families.