Portuguese Barcelos Rooster Hand-Painted Terracotta Folk Art Figurine

Description

Overview

A Rooster of Barcelos (Galo de Barcelos), Portugal's best-known folk-art emblem, in hollow slip-cast earthenware, cold-painted by hand and varnished. It likely dates to about the 1980s–2000s. From the Craft World Tours Collection; consistent with the 2001 Portugal tour, which visited the traditional market in Barcelos, famous for its pottery roosters.

Design & Craftsmanship

• Function & Form: 6" high and about 4" wide. A standing rooster with the classic flat, upright scalloped comb and fanned tail, on a green ball base.
• Artistry & Ornamentation: An orange-red ground with a white-and-pink tulip and green leaf sprays on the tail, white outline hearts on the wings, blue-green and white flowers on the breast, white dot accents and orange claw strokes on the base. The painting differs side to side, confirming it was decorated entirely by hand.
• Structural Base: Hollow, open underside; unmarked, as is typical of family-workshop production.

Condition Report

• Surface Condition: Small chips on the top edge of the comb, a nick on the tail edge, paint rubs on the base rim and scattered small flecks.
• Structural Integrity: Structurally sound. This item is sold “as-is” with all associated patina and wear inherent to its age and history as part of the Craft World Tours Collection.