Ewer (Brocca) 1570 - 1585

This Ewer, or Brocca, was created by the Medici Porcelain Manufactory between 1570 and 1592. The dominant visual experience is its striking blue-on-white contrast and decorative form. The ewer is structured around a central cylindrical body, upon which painted floral motifs and formalized patterns are imposed. Note how the composition plays with balance; the handles and applied ornament are mirrored, but each facet of the painted decoration is unique. These asymmetrical patterns function as signs, reflecting an engagement with the symbolic language of its time. The contrast between the cool porcelain and vibrant cobalt might be seen to destabilize established notions of luxury. The Ewer invites ongoing interpretation, illustrating how the formal qualities of decorative art can be part of a larger cultural and philosophical discourse.