Maiolica vase with the royal arms of England, said to have been found in London, made in Italy, possibly Pesaro, 1480-1510

Maiolica vase with the royal arms of England. The arms are reversed and slightly inaccurate. Tin-glazed earthenware painted in cobalt blue.

Purchased by the Museum at the W. Ridout sale at Christie's 13/12/1938
Formerly William Ridout Collection, London and Toronto.
Said to have been found in Mark Lane, City of London.

Once thought to be an early example of Netherlandish Maiolica, recent research has identified this vase as originating from Italy. During the last quarter of the fifteenth century, Italian galleys from Genoa and Venice exported novelty-luxury wares in ceramic and glass to Northern Europe including England, where they found their way to the courts and other wealthy patrons. Such rare imports were treasured possessions and vessels of similar shape and decoration, often containing flowers and peacock feathers, are depicted in various contemporary sources including the Book of Hours of Engelbert of Nassau of 1477-90.

The vase is said to have been excavated in the City of London. It's original foot is missing and the modern replacement was based on a vase of almost identical size and shape, and with identical tournament shield and arms, which was excavated from the moat of the Tower of London. The arms and the archaeological provenance of this second vase suggest a courtly provenance for the two vases. The fact that both show an unusual version of the English Royal coat of arms, in which the conventional quarterings are reversed and featuring slightly different beasts, could be explained by misinterpretation by the Italian potters.

Historical significance: Stylistically this vase is close to the wares produced at Pesaro in the Marches, but chemical analyses of the ceramic bodies has indicated that the vases have most likely been made in Tuscany.

Said to have been found in London

Imports from Italy carried suggestions of novelty and luxury. This vase may have been used in a royal or courtier establishment as it bears the arms of England. They are reversed and slightly inaccurate, suggesting that the Italian potter was not familiar with their correct form.

C.298-1938