Dish With Armorial Decor - Castlefiorentino Italy - XVIth Century

This magnificent 16th century majolica dish is a Tuscan creation, more precisely from the municipality of Castlefiorentino. Majolica or maiolica is the specific name given to this type of earthenware. This production technique originated in “Moorish” Spain, spreading to Italy from the end of the 14th century and enjoying great success there. During the 15th and 16th centuries, several regions of Italy became real centers of majolica production, allowing their enrichment and the fame of their pieces. The decoration of this dish is an alternation of geometric friezes and plant elements, and finally at the level of the umbilicus sits an azure coat of arms with a lion rampant sable (black). The particular shape of this coat of arms is reminiscent of Venetian coats of arms. These decorations are said to be graffito.