Vintage Portuguese Teal Ceramic Scallop Shell Serving Dish — Large 15"

A very large shell with absolutely no intention of being subtle.

This vintage Portuguese ceramic serving dish is sculpted into an oversized scallop shell, with deeply molded radiating ribs and a beautiful glossy glaze shifting from deep teal and sea green into inky navy blue around the edges.

At approximately 15 inches across, it has enough scale to work beautifully as a centerpiece, fruit bowl or large serving dish — but it is equally good standing upright on an open shelf when you want the shell itself to be the art.

The dimensional ribbing catches the light beautifully and gives the glaze a different tone from every angle.

The underside retains its original Made in Portugal label and is marked P.9400. The exact manufacturer is currently unidentified.

Coastal without being cliché. Very Portuguese. Very Florida. Very much coming home with me if nobody buys it.

DETAILS

• Vintage ceramic scallop shell serving dish
• Made in Portugal
• Original Made in Portugal label
• Marked / coded P.9400
• Maker currently unknown
• Large sculptural shell form
• Deep molded ribbing
• Glossy teal, green + navy glaze
• Glazed ceramic / earthenware
• Functional serving piece or decorative object
• One available

DIMENSIONS

Approximately:

14.5"–15" W × 14"–14.5" H × approx. 2.5" D

The original listing photographs show the shell measuring approximately 14–15 inches in both directions.

CONDITION

Good vintage condition with a glossy, saturated glaze.

There are small areas of glaze loss / tiny surface chips, particularly along the raised edges, visible in the detailed photographs. The underside shows normal wear around the foot from age and previous use.

No major cracks or structural damage are apparent in the supplied photographs.

As always with vintage pieces, minor variations, surface wear and signs of previous life are part of the character.

DĒSSO NOTE

This one wants to be seen.

Fill it with lemons on a dining table, pile it with fruit in the kitchen, or prop it upright on a shelf like a giant piece of ceramic art.

Personally, I’d put it against warm wood or rattan and let that ridiculous teal glaze do all the work.