English and European Ceramics and Glass - 23rd May 2017

Lot 85

An Italian maiolica albarello mid 16th century

Estimate £4,000 - £6,000 | Hammer £5000

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Description

An Italian maiolica albarello mid 16th century, attributed to Pesaro, inscribed in blue with 'Confet o cingul orum' on a wide panel beneath a portrait medallion inscribed 'RB', on an ochre ground with white and blue scrollwork, some restoration to the rim and neck, 26.5cm.

Provenance: The Luigi Koelliker Collection, Sotheby's, 3rd December 2008, lot 1.

Cf. Rudolf Drey, Apothecary Jars, pp.56-57, pl.22A for another jar from this well known series. Previously attributed to Faenza or Castel Durante, these jars inscribed RB (probably for a pharmacy) are now believed to have been made at Pesaro.