Tile with the monogram “IHS”

The surface of the quadrangular tile is delineated by parallel blue lines. In the center, within a crown of alternating linear and wavy rays, divided into green and orange sections, and concentric blue lines, the Christological monogram “IHS” is depicted in Gothic letters with a horizontal line on the stem of the central letter to form a cross. The colors used on a stanniferous enamel covering are blue, orange, and green.
The decorative theme in the work examined here is consistently repeated throughout the tableware produced in Rome at the end of the fifteenth century. The archaeological findings from the Crypta Balbi site (Ricci, Vendittelli 2010) include monograms on various forms of pottery, such as mugs, cups, bowls, and plates. Generally, there is no connection between the sacred symbol and the intended use of the pottery on which it appears: evidence from modern age ceramics in Rome indicates these objects were used by both private households and religious communities, without any particular religious significance. 
This tile was likely part of a floor or wall covering; majolica floors became popular in public and private buildings during the late fifteenth century.
This item has never before been displayed.

Luca Pesante

Good.

“IHS.”

Ricci Marco, Vendittelli Laura (a cura di), Museo Nazionale Romano. Crypta Balbi. Ceramiche medievali e moderne. I. Ceramiche medievali e del primo Rinascimento (1000-1530), Milano 2010.