Wine cistern late 17th century-early 18th century

ceramic

ornate

3d sculpting

decorative element

3d printed part

ceramic

jewelry design

virtual 3d design

sculptural image

3d shape

framed image

technology juxtaposition

france

This 17th-18th century Italian maiolica wine cistern, currently housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, is a striking example of decorative arts from the period. The piece is crafted from tin-glazed earthenware and boasts an elaborate design of intertwining floral motifs, birds, and a central band of stylized foliage. It features two handles in the form of female figures emerging from swirling vines, adding a sense of dynamism and theatricality to the overall composition. This unique vessel, likely used for holding and serving wine, demonstrates the skill and creativity of anonymous Italian potters working during the Baroque era.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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Similar to the large silver cistern at the end of this corridor, this object was originally made to hold cold water for chilling bottles of wine. It is decorated with classic winged caraytids and palmettes, as well as Asian-inspired designs of birds and flowers. The cistern is composed of faience, the French term for tin-glazed earthenware, which was introduced to Europe from the East during the Middle Ages and was produced in France by the late-16th century. The faience industry thrived during the 17th and 18th centuries in several French cities, such as Strasbourg and Nevers, and provided a less expensive though highly decorative alternative to fine porcelain.