probably ca. 1486-88
Italy
Object qualities
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Objecttableware: Bowl
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Type of arts & crafts
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MediumMaiolica (tin-glazed earthenware)
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SizeOverall (confirmed): 4 Г— 18 7/8 in. (10.2 Г— 47.9 cm)
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Geography details
Italy -
Country today
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Dateprobably ca. 1486-88
Source of information
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Type of sourceDatabase “Metropolitan Museum of Art”
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Fund that the source refers toMetropolitan Museum of Art
Description
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This large bowl or dish belongs to a set made as a gift for the king and queen of Hungary; their royal arms appear at the top, interrupting the elaborate border. Concentric circles of ribbons, flowers, and geometric designs act as a framing device for the central scene, where the woman and unicorn probably symbolize chastity. Beautiful and functional, a dish like this one might have hung from a wall at times and been used at a table at others.