This is a wonderful old Palissy ware majolica plate featuring a three dimensional representation of a lobster in its natural habitat. The original French Bernard Palissy examples dates to the 16th century, but Portuguese potters started reproducing similar pieces during the late 19th century and well into the 20th century. Among the Portuguese potteries who produced Palissy ware are Mafra, Jose A. Cuhna, Alves, José Francisco de Sousa, Cezar, Herculano Elias, and Augusto Baptista de Carvalho. This piece is unsigned, but appears to me to be an earlier example - these are difficult to date unless they are signed. The plate measures 10 1/4 in diameter. It is in very good condition with the exception of a couple of insignificant chips to the edge of the base on the underside of the plate, really minor. As I mentioned, it is hard to estimate its age, but I would think 1930s or earlier. There is a wire attached through holes that are drilled in the rim on the underside so that you can hang the piece. This is an attractive piece - wonderful form and decoration, great addition to a majolica or botanical collection or simply as a lovely display piece!