Plate with arms of the Tosinghi family

This vibrant maiolica plate, crafted in Florence around 1495, immediately draws the eye with its central shield bearing the coat of arms of the Tosinghi family. The Tosinghi, a prominent Florentine banking family, would have commissioned such a piece to display their wealth and status. The plate's surface shimmers with a metallic luster, a sophisticated technique achieved by firing the tin-glazed earthenware a third time with metallic salts. This iridescent finish, known as lustro, was a specialty of Italian maiolica workshops and made these pieces highly prized. Look closely at the delicate scrollwork and foliate motifs that frame the heraldic shield, executed with a lively hand. This piece isn't just a decorative object; it's a tangible link to Renaissance Florence, reflecting the city's rich artistic traditions and the patronage of its powerful families.