Ornamental plate

The dish is a copy of an early sixteenth century work of art with metal lustre. The revival and imitation of piatto di pampas (ornamental dishes) and the metal lustre painting of the workshops in Deruta, and Gubbio were specialties of the Cantagalli workshop. The surface of the plate depicts a male bust with a winged and masked helmet, shown in profile. Behind him there is a ribbon inscription RVGIERI. The rim of the plate is decorated with a quartiere, i.e. divided into fields by centred rays. The alternation of fields with scales and pomegranate flowers are separated with flower columns. Ruby coloured copper and golden silver lustres were both applied, achieving a rich iridescent effect depending on the basic colour (white or blue). The reverse is also painted in silver lustre, with simple plant ornaments.