Griffen, Smith & Hill (Etruscan) Cobalt Majolica Mug with Sunflower & Butterfly c1880

A stunning cobalt blue mug by the American potters Griffen, Smith & Hill who produced Etruscan majolica. The deep blue shows the bright yellow sunflower and pink butterfly dramatically. The inside is washed with a lovely rose pink and the handle is simulated bamboo, a popular theme in the 1880's. Condition wise, there are a couple of stable hairlines (see image 5) but this is reflected in the price of this beautiful and rare piece of majolica. Unmarked (they never are) but always attributed as Etruscan pottery. Height 9cm (3.5in)