Description: Italian (likely Tuscan), 20th century. A Tuscan style majolica glazed ceramic handled urn, with double-face design depicting a hunter with spear on horseback on one side and a large stag surrounded by mountain peaks and leafy foliage on the other. A pair of applied figural handles in the form of intertwined snakes, on a round footed base with polychrome designs. Sits on block wooden stand., which measures 11 x 11 x 3".


History: Majolica is a decorated tin glazed earthenware, low fired and decorated over an opaque tin oxide glaze. The firing temperatures allow for the brilliance of colors, however they also contribute to fragility. This ware is made throughout the Mediterranean basin, a region which enjoys a warm climate and arid terrain. This is traditionally a region where fuel sources were limited, prohibiting the production of more resilient wares such as porcelain or stone wares which require much higher firing temperatures. This type of earthenware was first introduced to Italy in the 14th century by Majorcan merchants who traveled the region selling these wares, hence the name. The first majolica to arrive was hispano-moresque lusterware and the stylistic influence is still prevalent in many of the designs present in today production. Further stylistic developments matured in Italy during the Renaissance and then later with the popularity of Chinese export porcelain. This type of pottery is often referred to as Faience, the French term for wares exported from the Italian center of Faenza The rise of Majolica in Italy paralleled the enormous wealth amassed by the nobility and the merchant class whose patronage was critical to the pursuit of excellence in all arts during the late 15th and the early 16th centuries. This was a fertile artistic time throughout central Italy. As mobility increased with wealth, artist and artisans collaborated for the great cathedrals, courts and palazzi.

Provenance: Lorber Estate, Palm Beach, FL


Dimensions: Weight (Pounds & Ounces) = 28 | Height(in) = 28 | Width(in) = 18 | Depth(in) = 14

Size of Artwork(in): 21.5 x 13 x 9" Urn


Artist Name: Italy


Medium: Soft paste


Circa: 20th Century

Good condition. Four inch section of outside edge of base cracked.