The auction at Cambi Auction House in Genoa transforms a catalog of European and non-European majolica and porcelain into a reasoned itinerary in the history of decorative arts.
What does the majolica and porcelain auction at Cambi Auction House offer?
At the Mackenzie Castle in Genoa, Cambi Auction House presents the auction “Majolica, Porcelain and a Venetian Glass,” scheduled for April 15. It is not just a sale but also an exhibition open to the public on April 10, 11, 13, and 14, where plates, cups, and tureens become testimonies of taste and history.
The exhibition path brings together a selection of Renaissance majolica, Baroque, and 18th-century pieces from the main Italian manufacturers, including Faenza, Urbino, Deruta, Castelli, and Savona. Additionally, there are refined European porcelains, from Meissen to Sèvres, from Doccia to Vienna, illustrating the evolution of taste between the 18th and 20th centuries.
What are the most significant majolica lots?
Among the standout pieces is a bowl from Montelupo from the mid-16th century, decorated inside with a Crucifixion scene. On the rim, elegant partitions enclose stylized oak branches on a white and blue background, in the so-called “quarter” style.
According to the catalog, the work has high collectible value, having been part of the prestigious European collection of Eugen Miller von Aichholz (1835–1919), an Austrian patron active in Vienna. His collection was mainly focused on Italian Renaissance objects. The estimate for this specimen is between 8,000 and 15,000 euros.
From the tradition of Faenza also comes an important compendiary cup dating to the penultimate quarter of the 16th century. The modeled body features a standing female figure with a basket full of fruit at the center, probably an allegory of abundance or a depiction of Pomona, the Roman goddess associated with the care of fruit trees.
How does Venetian glass interact with majolica?
Alongside the ceramics, the catalog includes a rare example of Venetian glass: a colorless glass cup made between the late 15th and early 16th centuries. The decoration, in polychrome enamels, features two mythological figures, probably tritons or water spirits, immersed in a stylized river landscape.
The figurative language reveals a dialogue between late Gothic tradition and Renaissance influences, characteristic of Murano production of the period. Compared to later porcelains, this object shows how experimentation on glass anticipated some decorative solutions later adopted in European manufactories.
How is the 18th-century selection from Faenza presented?
The journey in ceramics continues into the 18th century with a rare tureen from Faenza, painted by Filippo Comerio at the Ferniani manufactory. The catalog notes that the piece came from the famous Crespi collection in Milan, an element that increases its interest for collecting.
Stylistically, the painter confirms his recognizable hand in two small scenes on the lid, a perfect expression of Arcadian taste. The figures, rendered as typical “macchiette” in brown and filled with a bright green of watery consistency, appear airy and luminous thanks to the white background that makes many areas transparent.
Also absolutely original is the volute of the handle, soaring like a vertical wave and enriched at the base by plastic floral elements. The naturalistic roses in purplish red are repeated on the outer walls of the basin, motifs that the manufactory often used as accessory decorations, particularly for the handles of tureens. The estimate for this lot is between 3,000 and 5,000 euros.
What porcelains and Persian ceramics complete the auction?
The section dedicated to porcelain is equally significant, with a focus on Russian production between the 18th and 19th centuries. A standout is a plate made for Tsar Paul I, adorned with the imperial monogram framed by oak leaves, a symbol of strength and longevity, with golden decorations. The estimate is between 800 and 1,200 euros.
At the beginning of the catalog, there is also a core of Persian objects: cups, bowls, plates, and a panel of epigraphic tiles, an Iranian example from the 13th–14th century. The latter is valued between 500 and 700 euros and is particularly significant for understanding the refinement of Islamic decoration on ceramics.
For those wishing to delve into the historical and technical context of these productions, materials from the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Musée du Louvre, as well as the sheets published by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, may be useful. Overall, the Genoese event offers a cross-sectional view of rare artifacts, illustrious provenances, and collecting stories that span different centuries and geographies.
As expert in digital marketing, Amelia began working in the fintech sector in 2014 after writing her thesis on Bitcoin technology. Previously author for several international crypto-related magazines and CMO at Eidoo. She is now the co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Cryptonomist and Econique.
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