A Talavera or Puente del Arzobispo jug, painted with a scrolled cartouche inscribed `UNICORNIUM` amidst foliate scrolls in dark blue and ochre, beneath the handle inscribed `1570`, some foot chipping and general crazing, 23.3cm. Throughout the 16th century belief in unicorns was commonplace and their horns were thought to have magical properties and to guard against poison. Elizabeth I of England had a unicorn horn cup from which to drink. Philip II of Spain had 12. In fact, the horns were probably those of the Narwhal.