A Tuscan jug, possibly Montelupo circa 1500-1520

Painted in manganese, blue, ochre and green with arms under a tilt helmet with wings, the two fringed ribbons of the mantling falling on either side of the shield, inscribed with a paraphed P O monogram bellow the green washed strap handle



 



 



19cm., 7.5in.

-Lucarelli Collection, Siena
-Cora Collection, Florence

typical foot chips
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The present jug belongs to a group of armorial jugs of same form, decoration and colours. For an illustration of the present jug and other similar examples see jugs from the former Lucarelli, Pecchioli and Cora collections in G.Cora, Storie della maiolica di Firenze e del Contado, pl. 270c and 272a-c. For larger jugs of this type with more elaborate decoration see the examples from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, dated 1506, in J. Rasmussen, Italian Maiolica in the Robert Lehman collection, p.20/21, cat. 12, and the Kunstgewerbemuseum Berlin, in T. Hausman, Majolika, p. 120-123, cat. 96.

The arms on this jug are probably those of the Capponi family, one of the most illustrious Florentine houses, which acquired great wealth as a mercantile and banking firm, and many of its members distinguished themselves in the service of the Republic and the Medicis