Earthenware Jar

Large earthenware jar in the shape of an amphora. It has two small handles on the shoulders and a lid crowned by a ball of phytomorphic motifs. On top of a general red slip, the decoration is divided between two perfectly differentiated sides. On the one which seems to be the main one, there is the repeated double-headed eagle, in this case flanked by two opposing lions, all of them under a triple arcade. The other side is covered by an eagle with open wings. In both cases, although they still follow different decorative schemes, the floral theme completes the ornamentation. It is directly related to the pieces known as “búcaros de Indias” (indian jars), a type of ceramic piece greatly appreciated in the collections of the European nobility in the 17th and 18th centuries. In this specific case, it is one Magalotti called “archibúcaros”, which were earthenware jars specifically manufactured to export to Europe. They were of Asian origin with a decorative purpose or to be used as a receptacle to store and transport vanilla, chocolate and spices during voyages.