An Italian maiolica alzatina, early 17th century, painted with the Virgin Mary and infant Jesus holding an orb, within a broad border of grottesche, with a raised yellow and ochre band rim and spreading circular foot, 21.3 cm. diameter There is chipping to the rim (the largest is approximately 6 mm. x 35 mm. at its widest points; the majority of the chips are approximately 4 mm. x 10 mm). These could easily be filled and restored by a restorer. There is also some slight chipping to the foot. There is a hairline crack to the rim at 12 olock (only about 2 cm. of it is visible on the upper side) which extends on the underside and branches. The colours are slightly muted this dates from the time of firing in the 17th century. There is some slight wear and cracks to the glaze, which is to be expected for a piece of this age.