New YorkThe Italian term tazza (TAHT-zah) refers to a relatively shallow cup or dish raised on a tall foot. Inspired by ancient designs, hand-made silver tazze (plural) were used by Renaissance nobility as sumptuous table ornaments or display pieces. A matched set of 12, known as the “Aldobrandini Tazze,” are among the most dazzling works of 16th-century silversmithing. Moreover, during the 19th century, the silver tazze were not only gilded, but a Parisian dealer fitted six of them with new and more elaborate feet in Neo-Renaissance taste. Livia and her infant son Tiberius escape a forest fire (a detail from the Tiberius dish from the Aldobrandini Tazze) Photo: Victoria and Albert Museum, London, Dr. W. L. Hildburgh Bequest—Mr.

Source: Wall Street Journal December 16, 2017 12:00 UTC