Renaissance-era Majolica Earthenware Plate From Montelupo, Italy, 15th Century, Checkerboard Pattern

A rare Italian majolica dish with polychrome decoration, made in Montelupo, Tuscany, in the late 15th or very early 16th century.

The dish is organized around a central medallion formed by a green, brown, and white checkerboard pattern punctuated by small blue motifs. It is surrounded by several concentric bands painted in blue, green, and ochre. The wide rim features a series of geometric panels with plant and ribbon motifs, separated by large stylized blue elements. This arrangement of the decoration, the use of cobalt blue, green, manganese brown, and ochre, as well as the geometric motifs, are characteristic of early Renaissance Tuscan productions. Fifteenth-century Italian majolica underwent a major development during this period in Florence and in several other centers in Tuscany.

The reverse side shows restorations with metal clips; several cracks and repairs are visible, as well as signs of wear, chips along the rim, and a mounting hole. A beautiful piece as is.

Dimensions: diameter 31.5 cm; height 4.5 cm.