Referring the reader to the full explanation given in the introduction to the large catalogue of Maiolica, we can give here only a few brief remarks upon the wares attributed to Faenza under the following heads:-- A. The produce of the Casa Pirota. B. By Baldasara Manara. C. Pieces by the painter of the Correr service, and of his botega. D. By other artists presumably of Faenza. E. Wares of the last century and modern. A. One of the most important if not the leading establishment at Faenza was known under the name of the Casa Pirota, and probably existed from an early period, but when and by whom founded, and the name of its maestro, we have yet to learn. A house on the north side of the principal street (where a pottery was working some few years since, at which we have seen well-executed reproductions of the old wares) was stated by the proprietors to be on the site of that ancient botega, but whether there is sufficient foundation for this statement we are unable to say. The greater part or nearly all the pieces known to us as being marked with the crossed circle, signed with the name of the house, or executed by the same hands as such pieces, are of a marked character of decoration; the wide borders are generally ornamented with grotesques, reserved in white and shaded with a brownish yellow; or reserved in a paler greyish tone heightened with white, on a dark blue ground. _A berettino_ and _sopra azzuro_ are the terms applied to this mode of decoration, and among examples of the former and perhaps earlier of the styles, are works of the highest quality of enamelled pottery and of admirable decoration and artistic painting. The woodcut is from a good plate of about 1520; at South Kensington, no. 1734: and we give also a copy of the mark on the reverse. [Illustration] [Illustration] The work of at least three painters is discernible upon the wares of this establishment. First and foremost are those charming pieces of the greatest technical excellence by the painter of the shallow bowl at South Kensington, no. 354, which is marked at the back with the crossed circle, having a pellet in one of the quarters, and has for subject, Mutius Scævola. By him are other pieces similarly shaped and decorated with borders of grotesques reserved in white, shaded in brownish yellow on the blue ground, and central subjects painted in a similar tone. [Illustration]