Late 16th century

Plate with the Coats of Arms of the Böckhli and Christell Families of Augsburg, Germany

This Italian maiolica plate bears the coats of arms of two well-to-do families from the city of Augsburg in southern Germany, an important trading center. Maiolica is an Italian term used to describe this kind of tin-glazed ceramic, which reached the height of its popularity during the 1400s and 1500s. Fairly inexpensive, maiolica wares were suitable for everyday use but were also sometimes made on commission for special occasions. It is likely that this plate was one of a set ordered by these prestigious German families from the Patanazzi workshop in the distant city of Urbino to celebrate a marriage.