Global Characteristics

Title:

Italian ceramic fruit bowl

Place of discovery:

Dunkirk, Hauts-de-France, France

Date:

Modern Era (first half of the 17th century)

Dimensions:

14cm width

Materials:

Ceramic

Description

This footed bowl base from the early 17th century was discovered in the center of Dunkirk. Manufactured in the prestigious workshops of Pisa, Italy, the ceramic fragment is distinguished by its refined decoration: an interlacing of two slips (liquid clay) imitating marble.

This bowl reflects the maritime exchanges between Dunkirk and the Mediterranean. The arrival of this new vessel form in Europe was accompanied by the introduction of new foods, including so-called "exotic" fruit, such as oranges and pomegranates.

This vessel bears witness to the luxury and exoticism that entered the tables of Dunkirk's inhabitants in the early modern period.

© Vaiana Vincent, Inrap