MARKED ULISSE CANTAGALLI, FLORENCE, ITALY, CIRCA 1880

Ulisse Cantagalli (1839-1901) founded the Manifattura Cantagalli in Florence in 1878 with his brother Giuseppe. The Cantagalli 'Iznik-style' ceramics can be identified by their signature cockerel marker on the base of the vessels. Cantagalli produced designs directly inspired by Ottoman art and ceramics, the form of their vessels were not Ottoman but their own creations (Walter B. Denny, Iznik : the Artistry of the Ottoman Ceramics, London, 2004, p.222). The present dish appears to be closer to Ottoman originals however and seems almost directly inspired by late 16th century Iznik originals. During his time in Florence in 1892, William de Morgan used Cantagalli decorators as well as the factory's kilns to produce some of his pieces.

A number of fine Cantagalli pieces sold at Christie’s South Kensington, 24 April 2015, lot 435; 22 April 2016, lots 415, 416 and 417. See also lot 185 and 212 in this sale.