Antique Italian Ceramic Jug by Montelupo Fiorentino Factory, 1800s

Details

Description

Item description:
fantastic large jug in vitrified ceramic, glazed and hand-shaped on a potter's wheel and entirely hand-decorated with garlands … Read more Item description:
fantastic large jug in vitrified ceramic, glazed and hand-shaped on a potter's wheel and entirely hand-decorated with garlands of foliage, flowers, and several animals, specifically an ibex, a guinea fowl, and a wolf. The jug has no markings under the base, but it can easily be traced back to the florentine manufacturer montelupo, dating back to around the mid-19th century. The patina covering the entire object is beautiful, especially under the base and on the spout of the jug where there is a break. Note how dark the ceramic is, blackened by the many years that have passed.

useful information for evaluating the item:
as proof of our attribution, we have added photos of a vase with similar decorations from the 1600s, signed under the base with an antique montelupo mark, as illustrated in our book dedicated to montelupo ceramics. The vase shown in the photo with the mark is still in our possession, for those who are interested. Furthermore, while searching the internet, we found three jugs and a vase, all older and larger than our jug, but with much simpler decorations, all listed at very high prices, to give a general idea of the value of montelupo ceramics. Specifically, lot 39, entitled "versatoio, montelupo, prima metà secolo xvii" (pitcher, montelupo, first half of the 17th century), estimated at €1,200-1,800 by pandolfini, at the "importanti maioliche rinascimentali" (important renaissance majolica) auction on october 2, 2024. Lot number 3, entitled "orciolo, montelupo, first half of the 16th century," estimated by pandolfini at €4,000-6,000, at the "important renaissance majolica" auction on october 26, 2022. Lot number 42, entitled "orciolo montelupo, workshop of the first half of the 17th century," estimated by cambi at €1,500-2,500, at the "collectible majolica and porcelain" auction on may 5, 2016. Finally, lot number 8, entitled "versatoio, montelupo, first half of the 17th century," also estimated by pandolfini at €1,000-1,500, at the auction "ceramics. Maioliche e porcellane dal xvi al xix secolo" auction on june 27-july 4, 2024. Our item is more recent than the pieces mentioned, but it is certainly an original montelupo piece made in the 19th century. A rare collector's item.

information about the artist and/or manufacturer:
montelupo majolica was an important type of italian ceramic produced in montelupo fiorentino during the renaissance. Active as a center of ceramic production since the end of the 13th century, it began producing spanish-moorish-inspired majolica (blue motifs and predominantly green decoration) in the 15th century. Considered one of the oldest and most important italian artistic ceramic manufacturers in the world, it boasts numerous auction results and the creation of many works of great artistic significance.


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



issues arising from misattribution See less