Albarello
Storage vessels were among the most frequently produced maiolica wares in late medieval and Renaissance Italy. Made in fairly standard shapes, they were designed to fit with dozens of others on a shelf, often in a pharmacy or shop. Their handles therefore tend to fit within the vessel’s profile, and the cylindrical albarello type is generally narrower at the middle than at the top or bottom, making it easy to grip. Other common features include inscriptions indicating contents and flanged lips to help secure cloth or paper seals. The decoration, usually more elaborate on one side than the other, can sometimes link pieces to a known dispensary or specific workshop or artist.
Artwork Details
- Title: Albarello
- Date: ca. 1460–80
- Culture: Italian, Faenza
- Medium: Maiolica (tin-glazed earthenware)
- Dimensions: Overall (confirmed): 13 9/16 x 5 5/8 x 5 5/8 in. (34.4 x 14.3 x 14.3 cm)
- Classification: Ceramics-Pottery
- Credit Line: Frederick C. Hewitt Fund, 1911
- Object Number: 11.130.2
- Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
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Italian, Pesaro
probably ca. 1486–88
Italian, Faenza
ca. 1450–80
Italian, Faenza
ca. 1470–1500
Italian, Faenza
ca. 1475
Casa Pirota Manufactory
ca. 1525 or later
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