Borgo San Gimignano Appraisal

Borgo San Gimignano Italian Ceramic Fruit and Floral Cachepot

This is a decorative ceramic vessel, likely a cachepot or wide-mouthed vase, attributed to Borgo San Gimignano, an area in Tuscany renowned for its artisanal pottery. The item is constructed from wheel-thrown or molded ceramic body with extensive hand-applied high-relief or 'trompe l'oeil' sculptural details. The neck of the vessel is distinctive, featuring a tightly wound rope-coil design in a natural buff or light terracotta tone. The body is adorned with a lush arrangement of molded fruits and flowers, including purple grapes, peaches, and delicate pale pink roses accompanied by green leaves with realistic veining. The craftsmanship exhibits a high degree of manual skill, particularly in the delicate petal work and the braided elements that frame the floral composition. The overall color palette is earthy and muted, typical of Italian rustic ceramics, using washes of sage green, dusty rose, and violet over a creamy, neutral-toned base. Historically, these pieces are 20th-century decorative arts, often mimicking 18th-century styles. The condition appears fair, though high-relief ceramic work is prone to small chips (fleabites) on the edges of the petals and leaves; a careful inspection is needed for hairline cracks in the delicate grape stems. Small surface abrasions are visible near the base. The interior shows visible throwing rings or glaze drippings, suggesting a handmade process.