Mancerina dish from the Royal Factory of Alcora

Scallop-shape “mancerina” dish. The form owes its name to the Marquis of Mancera, viceroy of Peru from 1639 to 1648. The Marquis created a dish to serve hot chocolate avoiding spilling consisting of a saucer with a central openwork bowl, where a “jicara” or cup with no handle was placed and which contained the chocolate. Tin glazed earthenware with polychrome decoration showing a lace pattern with lady’s bust. It also shows the Beltrani family coat of arms. It is part of a dinner service whose pieces are signed by the three leading figures of the Alcora factory, revealing the participation of different painters in a big order from the factory. Royal Factory of Earthenware of Alcora, founded by the Count of Aranda in 1727.