Deruta Friar/Monk Creamer

A small figural creamer made of Italian maiolica (tin-glazed earthenware). It is shaped and hand-painted to resemble a Friar or Monk in a dark brown hooded robe. It features a simple white handle and a spout formed by the cowl of the robe. The base is marked F.lli Niccacci - Deruta (F.lli is the abbreviation for Fratelli, meaning 'Brothers' in Italian). Fratelli Niccacci workshop, run by Mr. Aldo Niccacci, was known for producing these popular Franciscan friar figures for the souvenir and tourist shops in nearby Assisi until 2009-10 after the owner's retirement. The piece is approx. 2.5" tall x 2" wide. There look to be two small spots of paint loss on the rim of the creamers top edge due to its age, but otherwise no chips or cracks or crazing.