Mold (5) - For quince paste and mostarda

Lot of traditional ceramic relief tiles for quince paste (cotognata) and mustard – decorative confectionery molds – Italy – mid 20th century

Description
Interesting lot consisting of traditional glazed ceramic tiles, used to create typical Italian desserts such as cotognata, mustard and fruit- or almond paste-based preparations.
The molds feature raised decorative motifs including a fish, leaf, human figure, geometric pattern, and little house, which were pressed directly into the confection, giving the preparations an aesthetic and symbolic shape. The glazed, smooth, non-porous surface allowed easy detachment of the product once solidified, making these objects particularly functional for domestic and artisanal use.
This type of tile was widely used especially in the southern regions of Italy and today represents an authentic testimony of traditional gastronomic culture, as well as an interesting decorative element.
The lot preserves a strong evocative value linked to the cooking of a time gone by and to the artisanal practices passed down.

Technical characteristics
Type: traditional confectionery relief tiles/molds
Material: glazed ceramic
Technique: relief mold
Number of pieces: 5
Decorations: fish, leaf, human figure, geometric motif, house
Production: artisanal
Origin: Italy (likely southern area)
Era: mid 20th century (approximately 1930–1960)
Mold dimensions:
Fish shape: 17.5x6x3.4 cm;
Leaf shape: 15.6x10.7x3.3 cm;
House shape: 12 cm diameter and 3 cm depth;
Geometric motif shape: 17.6x7x3.8 cm;
Human figure shape: 13x8.8x4.1 cm;
Total weight: 1.125 kg

Conditions
Good condition for age and use: signs of use on the surface, slight glaze abrasions, small imperfections and signs of time, possible tiny chips on the edges.
Overall well preserved and fully legible in decorative details.
The photographs form an integral part of the description.

Curiosity
Cotognata and mustard tiles were essential tools in domestic confectionery tradition, used especially during the preparation of preserves and seasonal sweets. The decorative motifs served not only an aesthetic function but often evoked symbols related to nature, abundance, and good fortune.
Today these objects are increasingly sought after both as ethnographic testimony and as decorative elements in kitchens and rustic spaces.

Shipping
Careful shipping with professional packaging suitable for the fragile nature of the items.
The lot will be protected with shock-absorbing materials and sent via tracked courier.