Italian, Florence, early 15th century

The Bak Collection, New York, Sotheby's London, December 7, 1965, lot 14
with Alfred Spero, London
with Cyril Humphris, London
Important Italian Maiolica from the Arthur M. Sackler Collection, pt. II, Christie's New York, June 1st, 1994, lot 1 (Sackler inv. no. 79.5.2)

Italian Maiolica from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, The Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco, Palace of the Legion of Honor, July 5th, 1986-1988, no. 9, illus.

Losses to glaze around foot. Pitting to glaze. Minor chips to upper rim. Minor areas of inpainting including approximately two inches along the shoulder on the reverse, and very small patches on the reverse between the second and third character and in the border to the right.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This vessel is painted on one side with the mark of a shop proprieter, and on the other with the heraldic charge of Florence, the fleur-de-lis. In Renaissance Italy, this vessel would have held dry goods or ointments in an apothecary. As an emblem of the city, the fleur-de-lis was included on the currency, the florin (fig. 1), and on the coat of arms of the most prominent family in Florence, the Medici.

The Medici family rose to prominence during the Renaissance as bankers, and subsequently produced four popes. Their most enduring legacy is their patronage of important artists and architects; the Medici Grand Dukes were responsible for sponsoring the majority of Florentine art during the Renaissance period which burnished the family's reputation abroad.