A rare and early Vista Alegre (Portugal) saucer, c.1827-29, the decoration attributed to Joao Maria

A rare and early Vista Alegre (Portugal) saucer, c.1827-29, the decoration attributed to Joao Maria Fabre, painted with Mary Magdalene kneeling at the entrance of the tomb before a cross, the wide rim with a colourful border of rose garlands and foliate scrolls, gilt crowned VA mark, 14.5cm.

The Vista Alegre factory was founded by Jose Basto in 1824, but did not begin production of porcelain until 1832. However, signed pieces of porcelain with the Vista Alegre mark are recorded, dated 1827, and Fabre died in 1829 before the factory began true porcelain production. It is therefore possible that blanks were being purchased from elsewhere and decorated while the factory explored its own production.