Hand-Painted Zimbabwean Safari Plates – Penzo Pottery, Signed by Artists (c. 2007) 🐘🎨🇿🇼

This is a vibrant and culturally rich set of miniature plates from Penzo Pottery in Zimbabwe. Crafted from ceramic, these plates showcase the dynamic and colorful tradition of contemporary African art.

Each plate is individually hand-painted and signed by a different artisan. This set is a compelling acquisition, offering an authentic, direct link to the artistic community of Zimbabwe.

2. About the Porcelain Plates 📖✍️✨

This set features distinctive, graphic depictions of African wildlife in stylized, colorful landscapes. Motifs include elephants, zebras, monkeys, big cats, and various native birds and fauna.

The plates are finished with a scalloped, textured rim and painted with rich, multi-hued enamels. They are designed as a decorative collector's set or as miniature wall hangings, perfect for adding a bold, contemporary accent to a space. The handwritten information on the back of each piece transforms it into a unique, documented work of art.

3. About the Maker: Penzo Pottery ✍️🏛️

The maker is Penzo Pottery, a collaborative studio or cooperative based in Zimbabwe. The studio is part of the tradition of contemporary African ceramic craft that has gained international recognition since the late 20th century.

The key feature of this set is that each plate is hand-signed by the specific artist who created it, such as Thandiwe Moyo or J. Mpofu. This direct identification of the artist highlights the individual artistry involved, distinguishing them from mass-produced items.

4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜

These plates were produced in 2007, placing them in the modern context of Zimbabwean art and craft export. The production of art for international markets during this period was a vital part of the nation's economy and cultural expression.

The pieces are a direct reflection of the contemporary African folk art movement, which uses bold lines, vibrant colors, and natural motifs to tell stories of the land and its wildlife. The emphasis on "HAND MADE & PAINTED" highlights the value placed on traditional crafting techniques in the face of modern globalization. This set is a time capsule of Zimbabwe's artistic production at the turn of the century.

5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️

This set of plates is a compelling acquisition for a specific type of collector. The ideal buyer is a collector of World Art & International Craft, an African heritage enthusiast, or an interior decorator seeking ethically sourced, unique décor.

The individual artist signatures and the documented origin of Zimbabwe make this set highly desirable for those who prioritize a verifiable, personal connection to the creator. These pieces are valued for their cultural narrative and vibrant aesthetic.

6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️

This set of plates is valuable for its verifiable origin, individual artist signatures, and complete documentation. The production date of 2007 makes them modern collectibles, approximately 18 years old.

The most significant value component is the signed nature of each plate, which elevates them above unsigned studio ware. The vibrant, intact enamel work on the wildlife motifs ensures their high aesthetic appeal and retail performance.

7. Condition 🔎📚✨

This vintage ceramic plate set is in excellent, well-preserved condition.

• Structural Integrity: The plates are free of chips, cracks, or repairs.

• Artistry: The hand-painted colors are vibrant and the enamel is fully intact.

• Marking: The handwritten artist signature and PENZO stamp are clear and legible on the reverse of each plate.

• Finish: The glaze is clean, bright, and glossy.

8. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩

• Artist Signatures: Each plate is signed by the artisan who painted it, including artists like Thandiwe Moyo and J. Mpofu, highlighting the human element of the craft.

• Cultural Mark: The handwritten script explicitly states the pieces are "HAND MADE & PAINTED IN ZIMBABWE", providing immediate cultural context.

• Guerilla Art Style: The bright colors and bold, graphic lines are characteristic of a self-taught or folk art style, which is often termed "Guerilla Art" in contemporary Zimbabwean sculpture and painting.

• Patterned Rim: The highly textured, scalloped and ridged rim is a distinctive feature of the ceramic mold, framed by a continuous, decorative border.

9. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰

• Item Name: Hand-Painted Safari Wildlife Plates (Set of 4)

• Maker/Studio: Penzo Pottery

• Period: Modern Collectible (Dated 2007)

• Medium/Material: Hand-Painted Ceramic/Earthenware (Enamel)

• Decoration: Stylized African Wildlife and Landscape Motifs

• Origin: Zimbabwe

• Approximate Dimensions: 4.5 inches (Diameter)

• Marking Transcription (Verbatim from Base, Plate 1): HAND MADE & PAINTED IN ZIMBABWE BY THANDIWE MOYO FOR OPENZO 2007 (Blue stamp: PENZO)

• Marking Transcription (Verbatim from Base, Plate 2): HAND MADE & PAINTED IN ZIMBABWE BY J. MPOFU FOR OPENZO 2007 (Blue stamp: PENZO)