This 17th-century Portuguese faience plate features a slightly accentuated well and raised lip, both of which are decorated in cobalt blue over tin enamel.

At the centre, encircled by a filament, is an orientally influenced landscape highlighting a majestic nobleman holding a bouquet. He is dressed in the Iberian courtesan fashion typical of the first half of the 17th century, consisting of a skirted jerkin (most likely over a linen shirt), a stiff collar or valona (Walloon collar) and trousers as well as stockings tied with ribbons at knee height and covering the hem of the trousers. He also wears leather shoes, a top hat and a cloak. A camellia bush is seen to his left and a chrysanthemum bush to his right.

The lip decoration is inspired by designs found on Chinese Kraak export porcelain. It is divided into six sections, or cartouches, alternately filled with stylised branches of daisies and camellia corollas. These designs are surrounded by cord-like patterns, which in the mid-17th century evolved into what are known as aranhões (spider-like decorations). The sections are further separated by double cord motifs or Chinese seals.

On the back, the lip is divided into six sections outlined with flowers, each centred on multilobed borders and separated by double vertical lines.

A notable feature of this plate is the ornamentation of the lip, which extends into the well, showcasing a horror vacui characteristic of Islamic art with Mudejar roots. This design element had already emerged early in the 17th century, positioning this piece within the stylistic transition from ‘geometric decoration’ (1570–1620) to the pré-aranhões period, marked by a blend of oriental and European themes.

The vibrant depiction on this plate symbolises romantic love, emphasised by the bouquet the man is holding. In the 17th century, it was common for noblemen courting ladies to express their affections with elegant gestures, such as the offering of flowers during discreet encounters in gardens or while attending parties, religious events or other social gatherings. Such acts carried significant symbolism and were part of the social and cultural conventions of the time, influenced by the traditions of courtly love from the medieval and Renaissance periods.