In April 1490, Lorenzo de’ Medici wrote to thank Galeotto Malatesta, Lord of Rimini, for a present of what was almost certainly maiolica pottery: ‘They are perfect and much to my taste, so I appreciate them very much […] I value them more than if they were of silver, being very excellent and rare, as I say, and quite novel to us here.’

By the end of the 15th century, Italian maiolica – tin-glazed, colourfully painted wares – had become both an esteemed decorative art form and valuable diplomatic currency. Yet the roots of the medium can be traced back much further.