The Italian Riviera, in particular Liguria, has many municipalities, such as Savona and Albissola, that are known for their ceramic studios. This polychrome Italian albarello jar from the late 1800s features foliate decorations, known in Liguria as foglie. The foglie was a prominent motif amongst 16th-century ceramists, as the movement of the leaves allowed for more creativity than traditional symmetric imagery.

Our albarello has a green ground covering the concave main body. Free-flowing orange leaves occupy most of the body, with each leaf highlighted in white, which was also commonly seen on 16th-century Ligurian vases. Both the neck and the foot have been painted white with blue stripes, while the neck has a band of orange and yellow Vitruvian waves over a blue ground.

Ceramic jars were introduced to Italy by Asian traders during the Renaissance. The Italian craftsmen altered the form and decorations, making it their own; these newer creations became known as albarello. Albarello jars were typically used in pharmacies and hospitals to hold medicinal liniments. Today, they have a variety of uses, ranging from beautiful decorative accessories to a kitchen utensil holder or vase for fresh cut flowers.

CONDITION: Good antique condition. Fleabites with minor rubs and losses to paint. Commensurate buildup.