"The tin-glazed earthenware known as maiolica reveals much about the culture and spirit of Renaissance Italy. Spectacularly colorful, sometimes whimsical or frankly bawdy, these magnificent objects were generally made for use rather than decoration and present a fascinating glimpse into the realities of daily life. This volume features 135 masterpieces that reflect more than 400 years of exquisite artistry, from early pieces from Pesaro to everyday objects such as albarelli (pharmacy jars), bella donna plates, and humorous genre scenes. Luke Syson provides a wide-ranging introduction and Timothy Wilson, widely considered the foremost scholar in the field, provides an overview of the history and technique of maiolica in The Met collection. As the latest volume in The Met's series of decorative arts highlights, Maiolica is an invaluable resource for scholars and collectors as well as an absorbing general introduction to a multifaceted subject." -- Publisher's description