Italian maiolica pharmacy jar with Calvary cross, 16th century

Large Italian apothecary jar made of tin-glazed earthenware, 16th century. The bulbous body rises from a molded base and terminates in a short neck with a wide, flaring lip.

The painting is executed predominantly in various shades of cobalt blue. Two wide ornamental bands feature vigorously curved tendrils, stylized leaves, and blossoms. On the front, the central motif is a cross in ocher and brown set upon a rocky hill – a depiction of the Golgotha motif. Several encircling blue lines segment the shoulder, body, and base.

The combination of white tin glaze and colored decoration applied directly onto it corresponds to the Italian maiolica technique. Comparable 16th-century apothecary jars were produced in various Italian ceramic centers; a specific workshop or geographic attribution should not be made for this piece without further evidence.

Object type: Apothecary jar / storage jar
Technique: Maiolica – tin-glazed earthenware with polychrome painting
Dating: 16th century
Origin: Italy
Decor: cobalt blue vegetal tendril ornament; Golgotha cross in ocher/brown
Style period: Renaissance
Mark / Signature: not visible in the provided views

18cm x 12 cm