The Deruta Griffin

This is a two-handled amphora vase in hand-painted majolica, made in Deruta, Umbria, in the 1950s or 1960s. The body shows a winged griffin among ribbons, scrolling leaves and jewelled motifs. It is painted in ochre, blue, green and pink on a white tin glaze, with the outlines incised into the surface. The tall neck and the foot are textured and finished in gold, and the scrolled handles are glazed bright yellow. The decoration draws on the Renaissance grotesque designs that Deruta workshops have revived since the nineteenth century, and griffins are among the town's best-known motifs.

The base carries the printed mark of Maioliche Deruta, the town's principal factory.

Origin: Italy (Deruta, Umbria)
Sourced in: Parma
Era: c.1950s–1960s
Materials: Hand-painted tin-glazed majolica with gilt decoration
Dimensions: H 30 × W 8cm
Manufacturer: Maioliche Deruta
Attribution: Printed Maioliche Deruta ewer mark to base (photographed)
Condition: Good vintage condition. There is light wear to the gilding on the neck and foot, and small glaze losses to the rim and to the edge of the foot ring, consistent with age. Refer to photographs.