Hollow earthenware dish decorated a compendiario with the arms of Beat Jakob May, quartered, on 1 and 4 couped, in a: Or two lions facing azure, in b palé azure and Or; on 2 and 3 azure a crozier Or issuant from a mount of three cupaux vert, crowned and framed with palms (cracked, broken and reattached, edge chips) Italy, 17th century Height: 4.5 cm - Diameter: 39 cm Old collection label Provenance: SPITZER Collection, then by descent Beat Jakob May (1664-1730) was a member of the Grand Council of Berne, Bailiff of Locarno (1706-1708), Mendrisio (1710-1712), Governor of Aigle (1714-1720), Bailiff of Val Maggia (1722-1724) and Nyon (1727-1730). During the Second Villmergen War, he ensured that the subjects of the Italian bailliages remained neutral. The arms in 1 and 4 are those of the May family, while those in 2 and 3 signify an alliance with the Matthey family (also from the canton of Bern), through the marriage of Beat Jakob May to Susanna Rosina Matthey, daughter of Johann, Bailiff of Schenkenberg. This dish is particularly interesting, as it provides yet another example of the relationship between a family of Germanic notables, in this case from German-speaking Switzerland, and a majolica workshop in Italy. Works consulted: J-B. Rietstap, Armorial général, vol. II, Gouda, 1887, p. 180 Wappenbuch der bernischen burgerlichen Geschlechter, Bern, 1684, f. 184 & 188 M. Bernasconi Reusser: "May, Beat Jakob", in: Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (DHS), version of 04.03.2010