Vase or jar. Culture: Italian, probably Pesaro. Dimensions: Overall (confirmed): 10 3/4 × 8 3/4 × 8 3/4 in. (27.3 × 22.2 × 22.2 cm). Date: ca. 1490-1500.This playful vessel takes an unusual form. The green fronds are impractical as handles, and the continuous decoration--unnecessary if the pot were intended for storing goods on a shelf--suggests that it was meant to be seen in the round. The original function of this piece therefore remains open to debate, but it was perhaps better suited to displaying cut flowers. Renaissance paintings show maiolica vessels used in this way. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.