Vivid colors, hand-painted in the Renaissance style, enhance this large maiolica pot from the 1800’s. Maiolica is tin-glazed pottery from Italy that has been decorated over a white background. This pot is considered an istoriato, which is to say that the pot has been decorated with figures, rather than strictly geometric patterns or floral designs.

The maiolica does incorporate floral and foliate motifs, with white flowers that have yellow centers surrounded by blue rings. There are also yellow flowers that are depicted in various stages of nyctinasty (the closing of flowers during the night). The flora is all connected by a series of green and yellow curled leaves. Behind the vegetation is a dark blue background. There are two portraits inside large yellow cartouches that are painted in the middle of the pot. The first is a bearded man, dressed in a light brown tunic with a gold and green collar. On the opposite side is a woman wearing a green dress with a tiara in her hair.

Our 19th century maiolica pot can be used in almost any room of the house. It can be placed on a side or center table as a lovely accessory. It could also be used as a jardiniere to hold long-cut flowers.

CONDITION: Wear commensurate to age and use, with visible old repairs. The pot had a full restoration, resulting in minor losses and fleabites. Solid condition. Light craquelure and buildup to paint.