Spanish Blue and White Tin-Glazed Earthenware Botijo (Drinking Vessel)

Details

Description

Probably Puente del Arzobispo or Talavera, late 19th/early 20th century
A characterful Spanish botijo, or traditional drinking vessel, of globular … Read more Probably Puente del Arzobispo or Talavera, late 19th/early 20th century
A characterful Spanish botijo, or traditional drinking vessel, of globular form raised on a spreading foot, surmounted by an arched strap handle flanked by a wide filling mouth and a narrow drinking spout — the ingenious form, of ancient Iberian origin, designed to cool water by evaporation through the porous body. The creamy tin glaze is freely painted in two tones of inky cobalt blue in the robust folk manner long associated with the potteries of Puente del Arzobispo and Talavera de la Reina: a running quadruped, a leafy fruiting tree and sprays of foliage encircle the body above bands of fruit roundels and dashes, with further bold striping to the handle, spouts and foot. Vessels of this type were staples of rural Spanish life and were collected from the late nineteenth century onwards as exemplars of Iberian popular ceramics. The present example, with its vigorous, unselfconscious brushwork and warmly crazed glaze, carries the unmistakable charm of the village pottery tradition. Offered here as acquired with a group of Asian ceramics, but catalogued on its own merits as a Spanish work. An engaging and decorative piece of folk pottery. Please request a full condition report for details.
— THE HOUSE —
From The Orient Gates: four generations of the Harb family, Damascene artisans and antique dealers since the 1870s, heirs of the painter Abou Sobhi Al-Tinawi (Muhammad Harb). Every piece is examined, restored and documented in our family ateliers. A certificate of authenticity accompanies every piece.
— DETAILS —
Origin: Spain, probably Puente del Arzobispo or Talavera de la Reina
Period: Late 19th/early 20th century
Materials: Tin-glazed earthenware (faience), Cobalt blue
Dimensions: Height: 26 cm (10 ¼ in.) See less