Vase with Neptune and Vase with an Allegory of Venice (Main View, pair without lids)

The painted inscription on the side of one of these vases identifies the pair as "the first large-scale experiment [in porcelain] made on May 15, 1769 in the factory of Geminiano Cozzi in Cannaregio." On the other side of the same vessel, three putti hold up a large anchor, the mark of the Cozzi factory. These conspicuous references to the factory, owner, location, and date of production suggest that these works were produced as showpieces, possibly remaining with the factory to tempt future clients.

The scenes on these vases celebrate the beauty, wealth, and sovereignty of the Venetian Republic. One vase displays the figure of Neptune holding his trident, complemented by a scene of an imaginary river town. The allegorical figure of Venice with a recumbent lion decorates the other vase.