Montpellier majolica pharmacy jar - Late sixteenth century

Rare Montpellier majolica pharmacy jar with polychrome decoration of stylized leaves and melons on a blue background of leafy branches. The handle is decorated with yellow scrolls on a blue background, resting on a winged cherub's head in relief. A scrolled phylactery on the body bears the inscription: "S.Magiftral." Alternating blue, yellow, and ochre threads on the neck and foot, a line of blue dots.
Attributed to the workshop of Daniel Ollivier.
Late sixteenth century
Height: 24 cm
Very well preserved

Ref: Dr. Chompret: Les Faïences Françaises Primitives, pl. 2, fig. E. Jean Thuile 1943, p. 136, pl. XIV.
French Faience Catalog, Grand Palais exhibition - 1980.
Louis Cotinat Collection Sale - June 20, 1997 - No. 162.
Similar model, Hotel Drouot sale - Chayette – Cheval on October 19, 2011.