Antique Italian Renaissance Tuscan Majolica Pharmacy Jar, 1600s

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Item description:
Wonderful pharmacy jar, made of Tuscan majolica attributable to the Cafaggiolo kiln, dating from between the late 1600s … Read more Item description:
Wonderful pharmacy jar, made of Tuscan majolica attributable to the Cafaggiolo kiln, dating from between the late 1600s and the early decades of the 1700s. Decorated with garlands of blue leaves and yellow flowers, large thick handle, with yellow side bands embellished with equidistant blue dots, a decoration that we also find on the end of the thick spout and on the mouth of the jar. The antique patina covering the vase is wonderful and very evident, especially under the base.

Useful information for evaluating the item:
From an internet search we found a jug very similar to ours, especially in terms of decoration, which was auctioned at Cambi (live auction 417 in 2019, lot no. 20) with an estimate of €8,000-10,000, and a second one practically identical to the first, auctioned in 2022, live auction 789 lot 53, estimated at €1,200-1,500. We do not know why there is such a big difference in the estimates between the two, but it seems to us that the glazing of the first is much brighter and more beautiful than the other, of significantly higher quality. The blue decorations are very similar to our jug, which has a simpler shape, with a much lower spout and no strap on the spout, and is 3 cm shorter. Furthermore, in our opinion, it is about a hundred years younger, dating, as already mentioned, from between the end of the 1600s and the beginning of the 1700s, and not from the 1500s. However, in our opinion, the quality and brightness of the glazing on our jug is actually much more similar to the one valued at €8,000-10,000 than to the other one, which is more opaque and dull in color.

Information about the artist and/or manufacturer:
Cafaggiolo majolica was one of the most prestigious Italian Renaissance ceramic productions, especially during the golden age of the 16th century. The Mugello kiln in Cafaggiolo was started by Stefano and Piero di Filippo, potters from Montelupo. Their works were aimed at a high-class clientele consisting of nobility and prestigious Florentine institutions, including apothecaries. Very popular since the early 1500s, the blue-on-white decoration known as "alla porcellana" (porcelain style) was inspired by Oriental ceramics and reworked in Cafaggiolo with distinctive characteristics. Similar vases are also preserved in the Faenza Museum, donated by Cora and Fanfani and attributed to the same manufacturer.


This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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