the large and shapely krater-form urn (21.5" to top of ceramic) with short neck above a bulbous body flanked by lion mask handles over a waisted mid-section tapering to the base; fabricated of grey earthenware covered in a glossy white tin-glaze decorated overall with cobalt blue floral and foliate decoration featuring blank reserves on front and back inscribed with 'Mithridat', an elixir with semi-mythical origins, named after King Mithridates VI in the second century BC, who created this antidote to make himself immune to poisoning by his enemies