Albarello with Persian Palmette Motif, c. 1490–1510

By the late fifteenth century, polychrome wares had replaced the more limited palette of Severe-style majolica, adding new shades of gold and green. Plant forms predominated, particularly an elegantly scrolled “Gothic-floral” leaf motif. This Tuscan albarello, perhaps from Cafaggiolo, has a staggered design of pine cones derived from Persian palmettes. Albarelli, cylindrical vessels of Near Eastern form, were widely used in pharmacies to store herbs, honey, and ointments.