Italian, Florence, Cantagalli, circa 1880-1900

painted and picked out in gold and copper lustre after a Gubbio original with a central armorial, probably that of the Acciaioli family of Florence, within a broad border of grotesque animals, masks and foliage on a dark blue-washed ground, cockerel mark and number 21 in blue

A Cantagalli faience lustred dish, circa 1880-1900 In generally good condition, There two glaze chips to the rim.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The arms are found on a Gubbio plate of 1526, now in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (inv. no. 7157-1860). The border is identical to that on another Gubbio dish, again in the V&A, from the collection of Charles Drury Fortnum (inv. no. 4422-1853). It is known that Ulisse Cantagalli visited museums himself to study their collections, and that he employed draughtsmen to copy examples in the V&A and in the British Museum. Indeed, the drawing for this dish is still held at the Fondo Cantagalli within the Museum Internazionale delle Ceramiche, Faenza. For further discussion and examples, see Dora Thornton's article for the exhibition catalogue The Revival of Italian Maiolica; Ginori and Cantagalli, Stibbert Museum, Florence, 2011, p. 124.