A Tall and Slender Antique Hand Painted Italian Majolica Ewer, Naples Circa 1870

Signed on the underside by Gaetano Battaglia of Manifattura Battaglia, this tall hand-painted majolica ewer originates from Naples, Italy, circa 1870. Known as an istoriato (loosely translated to “painted with stories”), this lovely ewer is reminiscent of an ancient oenochoe (or wine-pouring jug) but with a very slender neck and a flared spout.

The entire ewer is a vibrant display of blues, yellows, greens, and whites, with the main body depicting a Renaissance-style mythological scene of the Roman god, Sol (the equivalent of the Greek god of the sun, Helios). Sol, as he is usually depicted, can be seen riding in a golden chariot pulled by four horses, as a pair of winged angels help reign in the steeds. A solar disk shines brightly from behind Sol, piercing the overcast clouds that hang above the throng of people beneath the chariot. Additional details found above and below the cartouche include winged genii (guardian angels in Italian lore), flowers, gadrooning, niches, and a green serpentine handle that rises above the curled spout. Our hand-painted ewer is tall and majestic and would make quite a beautiful decorative accessory for an entry hall, bathroom, or living room.