Vase - Majolica - Pharmacy Jar

Important Pharmacy Urn – Montelupo Fiorentino, late 15th / early 16th century
Rare and important Renaissance majolica pharmacy jar (or apothecary amphora), excellent testimony to the prestigious production of Montelupo Fiorentino between the end of the Quattrocento (15th century) and the very early years of the Cinquecento (16th century).
The ovoid body, with a slender neck and an outflared lip, is entirely decorated in a knotted pattern with the famous motif of the archaic Persian palm leaf painted in intense cobalt blue (zaffera) and manganese brown, alternating with geometric rosettes in yellow-orange on scrolls and background curly elements. On the sides stand two splendid, majestic twisted-cord handles, covered by a thick cobalt blue glaze.
The interior of the urn presents the original lead-glazed, glossy, and transparent lining, necessary at the time to impermeabilize the container, enriched by a splendid patina and centuries-long natural oxidations ("leopard") impossible to reproduce artificially. The base is completely biscuit ware, hand-finished on the potter’s wheel, with the typical signs of wear and aging coherent with the piece’s advanced age.
The object is in an exceptionally good state of conservation for its age: the urn has undergone no restoration of any kind. Structurally intact in all essential parts, including the original handles. Only small and natural chipping and localized glaze losses along the profile of the upper lip and on the edge of the foot are noted, historic flaws that confirm the piece’s authenticity and lived history. The natural and very fine era-specific craquelé (craquelure) is present on the white tin glaze.
Dimensions: Height: 38 cm; Maximum width (including the handles): 43 cm