North Italian, probably Liguria, late 16th/ early 17th century

of elegantly potted ovoid form, painted in blue with the drug label 'Aque Tolú Citri' against a ground of formal scrolling foliage within gadrooned borders, star mark

A North Italian maiolica drug jar, probably Ligurian, late 16th/ early 17th century Two rim chips restored; narrow foot restored and sprayed all round.
"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 maiolica of Genoa, Savona and Albissola can be very difficult to differentiate, and the clear star mark on this piece does not help, since though it is a known mark on the class, it is not as yet attributed.

However, the elegantly light potting of this piece, together with the formal decoration taken from Eastern prototypes, may incline us towards an attribution to Genoa, and in particular to the work of the Pesaro family (Marzinot, op. cit.).

Water of yellow Tolu was used as an antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic agent, also topically for scabies, pruritus, and eczema, and taken internally for asthma and bronchitis. It is a variation of 'Peruvian balm', which is still widely in use for similar treatments and in cosmetics.

RELATED LITERATURE
F. Marzinot, Ceramica e Ceramisti di Liguria, Genova, 1979, pls. 47 and 415