LEVANTINO (Manufacture de) - Pair of Savona earthenware lidded vases with traditional polychrome medallion decoration of architectural scenes with animals and figures, in sepia, on a green and yellow background. Pear-shaped handle. Circa early 20th century H. 39.5 x 28 x 20 cm Condition: one broken lid glued back on Reference: Acquired in Lucca in the 1990s Note: LEVANTINO manufactory active in Savona since the late seventeenth century. Its name derives from the Levantino family of ceramists, artistically active in Savona and Albissola from the second half of the 17th century and throughout the 18th century. It is distinguished by its traditional decoration executed in polychrome or only in manganese applied in full field, or inside reliefs on a manganese violet background (sometimes blue or yellow), applied in sponges or in strong brushstrokes with representations of figures and animals, as well as landscape and architectural elements inspired by the engravings of the French artist Jacques CALLOT (1592-1635).*. The mark under the base, featuring the graphic symbol of the cruciferous globe between the letters A and L, refers to the initials of Angelo Levantino, a master decorator of the 18th century, and was used by the manufactory until the early 20th century. *Le decorazioni ceramiche della tradizione italiana, Ricerca effettuata dal Prof. Rosario Vizzini per il corso di Arte della Ceramica dell'Istituto Statale d'Arte di Cefalù anno 2011, p.14