An extremely rare Cozzi Jug or Vase, of zoomorphic fantastical rococo shape, Circa 1765-70

An extremely rare Cozzi Jug or Vase, of zoomorphic fantastical rococo shape, raised up on four leaf moulded feet, crisply moulded in low relief with leaves, scrolls and stylised vegetation, one side with a tree and single flower, the spout formed as the head of a mythical sea creature, the asymmetrical neck perforated on the inside with 5 holes, perhaps to hold specimen flowers, applied with a bifurcated scrolled rising rococo handle.

A similar example in the Barozzi collection is illustrated by N. Barantini, Le Porcellane di Venezia e delle Nove (1936), pl. XXII, no. 70. Another polychrome example of the same shape (then in the collection of Lord Phillimore) is illustrated by A. Lane, Italian Porcelain (1954), pl. 19a.

The precise function of this piece remains a mystery, some have suggested a jug but we favour the idea that this vessel acts as a means whereby rare floral specimens can be displayed, water can be replenished through the apertures at the neck and can be poured away through the spout. An exceptionally rare collector’s cabinet piece.