A rare pair of large Italian maiolica albarelli with 'Golden Horn' decoration, probably Venice, middle of the 16th C.

H.: 34 cm

The design is inspired on Iznik ceramics from the first half of the 16th C., which arrived in Italy where they influenced the more classical designs. Examples of originals are a.o. conserved in the Louvre (link), the Walters Art Museum (link) and the Ashmolean Museum (link).

Both albarelli bear a text banner, one inscribed 'sir de aq citri', the other inscribed 'sir de iugibis'. Above and below the banner, a yellow-ground medallion shows putti in various positions as well as a grotesque ornament.

Provenance: An important French private collection.

Ref.:
- Sotheby's, London, Oct. 3, 2012, lot 253, for a bottle with this design, attributed to Venice. (link)
- The British Museum, London, Registration number 1990,0502.1, for a smaller and less elaborate example, attributed to Genoa. (link)