Two-Handled Jar with Birds and a Coat of Arms

Art Historical Context

This elegant two-handled jar, crafted in early 15th-century Italy, exemplifies the burgeoning artistry of tin-glazed earthenware, known as maiolica. Standing about 8 inches tall, its rounded form with sturdy handles made it ideal for storing precious goods like spices, oils, or confections in affluent households. The opaque white tin glaze provided a smooth canvas for vibrant painted decorations, a technique imported from Islamic Spain and perfected in Italian workshops during the late Middle Ages. Adorning the jar are lively birds in flight and a prominent coat of arms, motifs that blend nat...