Pompei Workshop Italian, Castelli, circa 1540

of Orsini-Colonna type, inscribed in blue 'Ug.De Minio.C'

Dott. Guido Rossi, Milano (paper label);
Sotheby's Milan, 11th-12th June 1997, lot 352

There is some restoration around the outer edge of the foot and to the waisted band above. There is area of restoration to the lip of 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."

Once considered to be Faenza, the celebrated 'Orsini-Colonna' series of apothecary jars are now accepted as early Castelli following the finding of shards in 1982 at an excavation on the hillside behind the house of the noted Castelli potter Orazio Pompei. The connection is further confirmed by a jar now in the Faenza Museum, inscribed ‘Oc Opus Oratii’. Further albarelli of this form are published by Marco Ricci et al, Le Maioliche Cinquecentesche Di Castelli, Parma 1989, c86-C91, c146-149. Whilst other examples from this series are illustrated by R. E. A. Drey, Apothecary Jars, London 1978, pp. 48-49, pl. 18A-18C. Ug., which perhaps may be the shortened version of unguento, or ointment, C. may be for composto or compound.