INK-STAND SCULPTED IN THE ROUND

Height, 24 cm. Maximum width, 20 cm.
Majolica.
Faenza, 1510 ca.
Provenance: acquisition (1964).
Condition: Chipping in the glaze, and small repairs.
Inv. no. 13935

The group represents the crèche. Painted on the outside of the circular tub-shaped writing-instrument holder supported by three lions is the inscription « VERBUM. CHARO EST. DEVIGINE. MARIA » and on the inside the letter G - probably the initial of the majolica craftsman, Giovanni Acole - and a goose quill (penna d'oca in italian). Above the tub, which serves as base for the group, are Mary and St. Josehp kneeling before the Child, and behind them the stable with the cow and the ass. In the two front corners are two tiny vessels, the cylindrical one on the left serving as candlestick, and the one on the right as ink-well.