TRAY Octagonal tray with floral decoration of oriental inspiration in underglaze monochrome blue. The rim is bordered by a cordon that heightens the contour of the tray. It presents a gray-paste body with numerous imperfections and shiny lead-glazing that has taken on a greenish shade. The decorative motif represents floral shoots springing from behind a fence; four large flowering shoots extend around the rim. This typology, which was characteristic of the second period of production of the Manufactory, is osbservable here in an object from the early years; the shape is somewhat uncommon for the Florentine Manufactory (a similar plate is on show at the Doccia Porcelain Museum - Ligresti Group in Sesto Fiorentino, n. inv. 3749) and is likewise inspired by Chinese prototypes. This tray is in a residence of a noble family from Lucca. [AB]

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