Large maiolica pharmacy jar, attributed to Faenza, circa 1600

Large Italian tin-glazed earthenware apothecary jar, attributed to Faenza, circa 1600. The vessel body, with its wide, flared rim and profiled foot, is decorated with cobalt blue ornamental painting. Two encircling frieze zones display stylized vine, leaf, and floral motifs in a characteristic Renaissance idiom.

On the front, a cross executed in ochre and brown appears on a stylized hill, framed by blue vegetal decor. The combination of white tin glaze, cobalt blue painting, and sparingly used yellowish-brown accents corresponds to the tradition of Italian maiolica apothecary jars from the late 16th and early 17th centuries.

Stylistically, the present example belongs to the group of North Italian apothecary ceramics, and its larger size makes it a particularly impressive collector's item and display piece.

Condition: commensurate with age, with craquelure, minor glaze losses, chips, and signs of wear, particularly on the foot ring.

Object type:
Apothecary jar / storage jar

Period / Dating:
Late 16th century / circa 1600

Origin / Attribution:
Italy, attributed to Faenza

Style:
Renaissance

Material:
Tin-glazed earthenware

Decorative painting / Technique:
Cobalt blue, ochre, and manganese painting on white tin glaze

Decor:
Vegetal vine ornamentation with cross motif on a stylized hill

Maker / Workshop:
Undetermined

Signature / Mark:
Not identifiable

Condition:
Commensurate with age, with glaze craquelure, rubbing, minor chips, and glaze losses

Dimensions:
22cm x 12cm