LORETO
Although Santa Casa at Loreto is not strictly speaking a fabrique of maiolica, yet maiolica is actually made within the precincts of the sanctuary. Bowls are made of clay, mixed with the dust shaken from the dress of the Virgin and walls of the sanctuary, and in this form are preserved by the faithful as tokens of their visit to the shrine.
Fig. 39.—Two Bowls.
SGRAFFIATO OR INCISED WARE
The earthenware vessels with stanniferous enamel, called in Italy sgraffiato ware, have been attributed to Città di Castello. They are engraved in outline and decorated en engobe—that is, the object before being glazed is covered with a second coating of coloured slip or engobe, on which is graved the ornament or design after it has been merely dried by the air, leaving a sort of champ levé, and afterwards baked in the kiln. These fayence vases are generally enamelled in yellow, green, and brown. Fig. 40, a bowl, is decorated with foliage, on the stem are three lions seated, in full relief; round the bowl runs a wreath of yellow flowers; and within is a man wrestling with a dragon, surrounded by a wreath. There was a manufactory of this sgraffiato ware at La Fratta, near Perugia, which was continued down to a late period. Fig. 42, a basket-shaped pot, has ornaments in relief. Similar ware was also made at Pavia in the 17th century.
Fig. 40.—Bowl of Incised Ware.
About 1460.
