Italian Maiolica, Large Ligurian Dish With Landscape, Early 18Th Century

An early 18th-century Italian maiolica dish, possibly Ligurian, of generous proportions and flat shape with a slightly raised edge. It depicts a striking imaginary landscape: a bridge spans the lower composition, above which hills rise with fortified buildings, pavilions, cypress and pine trees surrounded by flowering bushes. A lively frieze of flowers and foliage adorns the lip. Captivating details animate the scene – a figure in a boat beneath the bridge, birds in the sky, towers, arches and crenellations topped by flags – while the alternating silhouettes of tall cypresses and architectural forms create an evocative landscape reminiscent of the Italian countryside. The vivid palette of yellow and blue, characteristic of Italian maiolica, as well as elaborate pattern work, from the half-circle hills rendered in strokes and dashes across the bridge, lend the composition a joyous sense of movement.

The thin, calligraphic brushwork and flat organisation of space recall the naturalistic calligraphy style developed in the Ligurian workshops of Savona and Albisola in the 17th century. Inspired by Persian and Chinese ceramics, finely detailed manganese draughtsmanship was combined with broader, painterly colourful brushwork, and background elements placed above rather than behind to create a scattered rather than perspectival space. The scenery recalls the castelletto tradition of architectural fantasy landscapes, here rendered with particular elaboration, from attentive architectural detail to strong pattern work.

Likely from a Ligurian provincial workshop, this rare piece draws from several decorative traditions at once with a compelling lightness of style. A rare and highly decorative dish in very good condition.

• Diameter: 41.5 cm
• Height: 2 cm
• Some glaze losses to the edge and marks to the underside. The decoration is in very good condition otherwise. Unrestored.

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