Sculptural Crown-Shaped Glazed Stoneware Pitcher, France, 1970s

Details

Description

Superb and rare ring bottle (or crown jug) in hand-glazed stoneware, dating from the 1960s-1970s.

Inspired by the ancient forms … Read more Superb and rare ring bottle (or crown jug) in hand-glazed stoneware, dating from the 1960s-1970s.

Inspired by the ancient forms of pilgrim's flasks, this jug captivates with its very contemporary geometric and minimalist lines. It features a magnificent glaze in shades of beige, greige, and brown with a unique speckled and textured effect.
This highly decorative and sculptural piece will find its perfect place in a Brutalist, Japanese, or Wabi-Sabi style interior.
Contrary to what one might think, the "donut" or ring shape is not modern. It is a very ancient historical form (dating back to ancient Greece, Rome, and even feudal Asian ceramics). This shape originally allowed a cord to be passed through the inside to carry the flask over the shoulder or to hang it to keep the liquid cool.

The underside of the piece (the flat base that allows it to stand upright) reveals the raw, unglazed clay, confirming careful craftsmanship.

Although inspired by classical ("Greek") forms, this piece is a handcrafted example of vintage folk art (1960s or 1970s). The revival of stoneware in France at that time (in regions such as Puisaye, Ratilly, La Borne, or Vallauris for certain shapes) brought these highly graphic and utilitarian pieces back into fashion. The absence of a signature is common for pieces from independent workshops or regional potters of this period. See less