Ligurian Maiolica from the 17th and 18th centuries in Lisbon (Portugal): the case study of Mercado da Ribeira

In 2003/2004, the restructuring works of the east wing of Mercado da Ribeira revealed the remains of S. Paulo´s Fort and Quay. Both were built on top of a landfill created between 1755-1768, as a part of the effort to rebuild parish of S.Paulo after Lisbon’s 1755 earthquake. The landfill layers produced a large set of pottery with a chronological span within the first half of the 18th century, representing a fine example of consumption pattern of Lisbon’s daily life. Those included a small number of Ligurian glazed tableware from the workshops of Albisola, Savona and Genoa, consisting of dishes, fruit bowls and liquid containers. The decorative themes include naturalistic/floral motifs of oriental influence; landscapes featuring architectonical elements; and mythological scenes. The attribution of these pieces to the Ligurian workshops rests on the presence distinctive production/potter marks like the “lantern” from Albisola/Savona; the “asterisk” from Albisola; and Savona’s coat of arms.