ITALIAN MAIOLICA STARS IN KEYS’ FINE SALE

A 16^th century Italian Maiolica medicine jar is among 11 Maiolica lots in Keys Auctioneers and Valuer’s three day Fine sale which takes place at the end of this month.

The jar, which is 22cm high, is hand-painted with mythical beasts in blue surrounded by fruit and painted in green palette, is inscribed ‘Infrigidan GF’, with the date 1581 on the reverse.  It has a pre-sale estimate of £1,000-£1,500.

Other Maiolica pieces in the sale, which runs from Wednesday 23^rd November to Friday 25^th November, include a 17^th century Italian Maiolica two-handled vase decorated with classical urns, probably Faenza (estimate £800-£1,200) and a large 17^th century Sicilian Maiolica jug with polychrome decoration of wading birds (estimate £300-£400).

Keys ceramics expert David Broom said, “Because it was so delicate and therefore prone to breakage, it is rare to see so much Maiolica – and especially early Italian Maiolica – in one sale.  The pieces have come from several local collections; the 16^th century medicine jar is probably the star lot.”

Keys’ three day Fine Sale, which incorporates the East Anglian Art Sale, takes place from Wednesday 23^rd November to Friday 25^th November at Keys’ Aylsham, Norfolk salerooms, and online at www.the-saleroom.com.  A full catalogue can be found at www.keysauctions.co.uk.