A Selection of Antique Maiolica and Porcelain

Cambi Auction House is pleased to announce the upcoming auction of Maiolica and Porcelain, which will take place on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at the historic Castello Mackenzie in Genoa. The catalogue features 158 lots, including rare and exceptional pieces for connoisseurs and lovers of antique ceramics.

The monochrome purple decoration, depicting a delicate landscape scene on a gilded rocaille base, is the central decorative element of these rare plates from the Tournai Manufactory, founded in Belgium in 1751 under the patronage of Empress Maria Theresa of Lorraine and her son-in-law Charles Alexander. Tournai excelled in both technical and artistic quality, becoming a supplier to European courts and a symbol of the Rococo and Neoclassical taste of the Flemish region. These plates are a fine and valuable example of its production.

Another noteworthy piece is the porcelain figure of an Oriental man, crafted at the Doccia Ginori Manufactory between circa 1760 and 1780.
This figure is part of a series of 24 Orientals documented in Ginori’s production around 1760, intended for elaborate table compositions. The character represents a sculptural reinterpretation of an archer, whose robe is finely decorated with a gold motif, in keeping with the 18th-century taste of European courts.

Turning now to Savona maiolica, the royal plate from the last quarter of the 17th century features a monochrome blue decoration on a light blue background with greenish shading.
The ornamental design combines two distinct motifs: an Oriental-inspired tapestry pattern and a narrative scene with a Baroque setting.

Scattered across the surface in an imaginative and fanciful composition are blooming flower tufts, clouds, sailing boats, and small buildings. At the center, a nude, voluptuous maiden soars through the air, wrapped in a delicate, wind-blown cloth. Her gaze is turned toward the noble coat of arms she holds in her arms, bearing the insignia of three fleurs-de-lis, while two cherubs support her.

A traditional subject in Savona ceramic production is the Madonna of Mercy. Her iconography originates from an apparition that took place on March 18, 1536, when the Virgin appeared to Blessed Antonio Botta.

Traditionally, the Madonna of Mercy is depicted standing frontally on a high rocky platform, with open arms in a gesture of blessing and welcome.

Our piece is distinguished by a particular liveliness, conveyed through the dynamic posture of the figure and her garment outlined in a delicate shade of yellow.

A standout piece in this auction is undoubtedly the rare Persian bowl from the early 13th century, distinguished by the elegance of its polychrome glazes and gilding on a turquoise background.

Rounded and deep in shape, it rests on a short, hollow foot and features a slightly flared rim. The decoration is applied both under and over the glaze.

At the center of the base is a medallion adorned with arabesque motifs, while the inner wall is embellished with a band of fish, topped by a series of alternating panels and medallions filled with intertwining vine scrolls.

Discover all the lots in the auction!