Plate decorated with grape clusters

During the Renaissance period, the majolica decoration technique became popular in ceramic art. This style is characterized by brightly colored vessels painted in hues such as blue, violet, green, orange, or yellow, over a tin-glazed white surface. The decorative method was adopted from the Arab world and perfected by Italian craftsmen in the 15th century. This type of ceramic stood out significantly from other household pottery of the time and quickly gained popularity across Europe. A considerable number of archaeological ceramic finds decorated in this style have been discovered on the grounds of the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania.

 

During archaeological excavations of the northeastern latrine of the palace’s eastern wing, over 80 household ceramic fragments and complete vessels were uncovered. Some of these pieces were restored into several exceptional artifacts. One such item is a deep plate made from light yellowish clay, featuring rounded walls, a straight rim, and smooth edges. The interior of the plate is coated with a white, tin-opaque glaze and decorated with a vegetal pattern dominated by blue and green colors. The exterior remains unglazed. Recent studies indicate that such white clay vessels were produced, used, and thrived during the period from the 16th century to the first half of the 17th century.

 

The described plate stands out with its playful, freehand drawing style, resembling a spontaneous sketch. The plant forms in the decoration appear more as stylized grape clusters than realistic depictions of fruit. The composition follows a concentric, symmetrical, and densely packed layout—covering the entire inner surface of the plate. Against the white glaze background are green dots and semicircle groupings outlined in blue, reminiscent of grape bunches. These are complemented by floral-like formations made of blue dots, connected by blue lines. In the center of the plate is another floral cluster formed by blue dots. The sides are adorned with blue leaf motifs, above which runs a light blue band with dark blue dots. Near the rim, the composition is enclosed by three narrow, slightly uneven brown lines.

 

Stylized vegetal motifs were widely used and appreciated in 17th-century ceramics. The most common included tulips, carnations, and grape clusters—the latter traditionally symbolizing abundance, fertility, and prosperity.

 

This plate can be viewed in the exhibition of the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania (Route I: “History, Archaeology, Architecture,” Hall 14, Display Case 14.11).