Type Name:

SANTA MARIA POLYCHROME

Category:

MAJOLICA

Production Origin:

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO

Production Date Range:

1650-1760

Defining Attributes:

Pinkish-tan to buff colored paste

Off-white to cream to yellowish background enamel, often thin enough for paste to show through

Designs painted primarily in orange, green, and black or dark brown

Floral designs in central medallion and surrounding bands are the most common motifs

A central floral element of alternating green and orange petals surrounding an orange circle is typical. Petals and central circle are outlined in black or dark brown.

Vessel Forms:

PLATE

Comments:

Lister and Lister (1982) refer to the central floral design as a "whirligig". Decorations occur only on the interior of Santa Maria Polychrome vessels.

Published Definitions:

Deagan 1987; Lister and Lister 1982