Large Italian Majolica Vase and Pedestal 19th c stamped Large Majolica Vase and Pedestal 19thc Mollica Factory Start Price USD 10,000.00 Current Price USD 10,000.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Monday, September 29, 2008 End Time Monday, October 06, 2008 Location Toa Baja, PR See more about 'Large Italian Majolica Vase and Pedestal 19th c stamped' Description Renaissance style large Vase with grotesque masks and serpent handles,  signed by an M with a five point crown (Mollica Factory) on the inner side of the vase and pedestal, it is a very interesting piece, some chips and nicks, very good overall condition due to age. It measures 75" x 20" with the pedestal, it is very hard to find the complete set, and in this conditions.  Throughout the 16th century, 3 generations of major workshops existed in Urbino – each producing majolica of supreme caliber. Nicola da Urbino 1480-1537 , Francesco Xanto Avelli 1486-1544 and Guido Durantino, but Guido was just the owner, manager, not the artist (1516-1576), the artists were Orazio & Flaminio Fontana (nephew and son of Guido Durantino). This incredible piece, has all the characteristics of the Flaminio Fontana works, identical to similar pieces by Fontana at mayor museums, as well as the grotesque figures and the use of snakes as handles. Also minor details are consistent with the Fontana works, as some defects (bubbles) at the white opaque interior enamel, due to typical impurities of the tin oxide used at the end of 16th century to get the white color, the absence of reference to country or city and the monogram signature are consistent with early pieces from the 1500-1600's had just the artists monograms or initials marks. Later on (newer pieces circa 1700-1800's), the artists signed their full names. However this is not a renaissance piece,  It is 19th c (1880-1900).  Will ship worldwide.  Shipping/expenses and/or insurance to be paid by the buyer.  Only serious bidders, buyers with 0 feedback do not bid. This vase and pedestal represents the work of the famous Mollica family of artists, three talented brothers, who under the direction of their father, Pasquale, opened an earthenware decorating sutdio in 1842. Pasquale Mollica had worked under King Ferdinand at the Capodimonte factory. This vase is most likely the work of Achille Mollica, one of the three brothers, who received many accolades and awards for his paintings depicting the Renaissance styles of Michelangelo and Raphael. This Renaissance form of painting was also copied from earlier works by Cantagalli and Urbino. As the author of the first and only books written in English on the subject of Italian pottery identification I can state that the mark is that of the famous Mollica factory in Naples, Italy. This is a stunning example, circa 1880 to 1900, when Achilles Mollica, grandson of the founder, held the leadership of this family owned factory. During this period Mollica porcelains and earthenwares were actually more popular than its rival, Ginori. Achille had won many international awards and the Mollica brand had a worldwide reputation for its artistry. Walter Del Pellegrino, author of -Italian Pottery Marks from Cantagalli to Fornasetti - and other Italian pottery guides. Place a Bid!