Hand-Painted Tuscan Ceramic Lidded Urn by Ima Montelupo Fiorentino - "Acqua Di Mele”, Italian Apothecary Jar

Details

Description

Crafted by the esteemed IMA (Ceramiche Artistiche) workshop in Montelupo Fiorentino, this piece is a masterclass in traditional Italian pottery.
… Read more Crafted by the esteemed IMA (Ceramiche Artistiche) workshop in Montelupo Fiorentino, this piece is a masterclass in traditional Italian pottery.
The jar features a vibrant, wrap-around fruit motif centered by an elegant cartouche labeled "Acqua di Mele" (Apple Water), rendered in a classic palette of sun-drenched yellows, deep blues, and earthy reds. Its substantial scale and graceful double-handled silhouette make it an ideal focal point for a kitchen island, a rustic sideboard, or a curated bookshelf. This is not merely a vessel, but a storied piece of Italian craftsmanship that bridges the gap between historical apothecary traditions and modern farmhouse elegance.

Educational & Collector's Notes

• Regional Heritage: This jar originates from Montelupo Fiorentino, a town near Florence that has been a world-renowned center for tin-glazed earthenware (Majolica) since the Renaissance.

• The Maker: The IMA workshop (founded by artisans Ivo, Mauro, and Alberto) is celebrated for preserving the "Montelupo style," characterized by bold brushwork and rich, lead-free glazes.

• Apothecary Tradition: The inscription "Acqua di Mele" refers to an infused herbal water historically used in Italian pharmacies, making this a "Gallipot" or apothecary jar style intended for both utility and display.

• Artisanal Authenticity: Each jar is entirely handmade and hand-painted, as confirmed by the original maker’s label on the interior. Slight variations in the glaze and brushstroke are hallmarks of its authentic, non-industrial production.

• Condition & Size: Standing at a commanding 13 inches tall (lid included) this piece is a larger-than-average example of IMA’s work, offering significant "shelf presence" for collectors of European ceramics.

Small chip to the glaze on the spout. See less