Archaic Maiolica

A series of jugs and bowls of the early 13th to late 16th centuries in Tuscan and Italian towns. They were decorated with geometric motifs, leaves, and other forms outlined in brown and set into green or brown backgrounds. They were sold as far as Spain, North Africa, and northern Europe. There seems to be a connection to earlier Byzantine and Persian products.

Great range of jugs and bowls carefully decorated with geometric motifs, leaves and other forms outlined in brown and set in green or brown backgrounds. These wares were made from the early 13 th century until the 16th century in many Tuscan and north Italian towns, with certain specialized pots, such as the wares of Montelupo, being sold far afield in Spain, North Africa and even northern Europe. The precise origin of these wares, like the proto-maiolicas, is a matter of controversy but it doubtless owes much to the Byzantine and early Persian products of a similar kind although the decorations were clearly designed in Italy.