Storage jar (albarello) depicting a dog. Culture: Italian, possibly Pesaro. Dimensions: Overall (confirmed): 11 13/16 × 5 5/8 × 5 5/8 in. (30 × 14.3 × 14.3 cm). Date: ca. 1470-1500.Not all inscriptions appearing on maiolica storage vessels specify their contents. In this case, the words are a warning: "Laga me stare e no me tocare" (Let me be and do not touch me). Although unambiguous in sentiment, the statement is rather mysterious without its original context. It may refer to the angry-looking dog on the exterior of the jar, or possibly to poisonous materials contained within. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.