Cantagalli Rooster Mark

 

Q: I’m looking for information on a piece of pottery. This rooster mark is on the bottom. Can you tell me who made this?

A: One of the makers who used a cockerel (young rooster) mark like this was Ulisse Cantagalli (1839-1901). Members of the Cantagalli family operated a pottery near Florence, Italy, beginning in the 15th century. Ulisse and his brother inherited the pottery in 1878. They made majolica with Moorish designs, ruby and gold luster and earthenware. After Ulisse died, his wife and daughter operated the pottery. The pottery and trademark were sold to Amerigo Menegatti, the art director of the pottery, in 1934. Useful ware was made beginning in the late 1940s. The pottery closed in 1985. Pottery made by Cantagalli is marked just with the cockerel. Your urn, if at least 8 inches high, might sell for $100.