Medici Porcelain

Medici porcelain, first European soft-paste porcelain, made in Florence between about 1575 and 1587 in workshops under the patronage of Francis I (Francesco de’ Medici). It is thought that the body of Medici porcelain consists of glass, powdered rock crystal, and sand, as well as clay from Vicenza and white earth from Faenza. The ware, heavily potted, was covered with a rather cloudy, bubble-pitted glaze. Production was probably limited; most of the wares were made as gifts for European princes. The rare surviving examples (about 60) include utilitarian objects such as flasks, jugs, bowls, and plates, in addition to purely decorative ones such as plaques. Medici porcelain reflects the influence of Persian pottery, Chinese porcelain, and indigenous maiolica. The decoration is generally blue and white, but occasionally manganese is added. The mark of Medici porcelain, which is blue, represents the dome of the cathedral of Florence, with the letter F below.