20th Century Ceramic Amphora Vase by Fratelli Kharraz, Tunisia, 1920s

Details

Description

Measurements:
height: 21 cm; width: 13.5 cm; depth: 10.5 cm

item :
a rare, small, two-handled amphora in polychrome majolica, … Read more Measurements:
height: 21 cm; width: 13.5 cm; depth: 10.5 cm

item :
a rare, small, two-handled amphora in polychrome majolica, entirely lathe-crafted and hand-painted, dating to the first half of the 20th century (circa 1920-1940). This work is a refined and excellent example of the renowned artistic production of nabeul (tunisia). Beneath the base, the atelier's signature in arabic characters is engraved alongside the western letter "m," a historic trademark identifying the prestigious artistic manufacture of the kharraz brothers. Ornamentally, the piece perfectly embodies the celebrated "sbania" (or hispano-moorish) style, characterized by a geometric pattern of overlapping bands featuring ogival arches, vegetal arabesques, and squared frames. The color palette is based on the traditional shades of deep cobalt blue, copper green, and heraldic yellow-orange, applied with a dense, textured pigment that creates beautiful vibrations on the glazed surface. The vase rests on a flared stemmed foot and features two elegantly curved ribbon handles, embellished with a stylized scale motif. The piece displays a beautiful period patina, with widespread craquelure and historic glaze flaking on the base, upper lip, and handles. These details testify to its historic origins and actual use over time, enhancing the piece's charm and authenticity.

information on the artist and/or manufacturer:
the coastal city of nabeul boasts a millennia-old ceramic tradition rooted in the punic and roman eras. In the early decades of the twentieth century, local artistic workshops experienced a veritable "golden age" and a profound stylistic renewal, led by the kharraz dynasty, one of the oldest and most influential families of tunisian master potters in the cap bon district. The kharraz brothers' workshops stood out internationally for their ability to revive ancient hispano-moresque and andalusian geometric decorative patterns of the 14th and 15th centuries, blending them with traditional local glaze techniques. Their most sought-after works were signed on the background by combining the arabic script with the western letter "m," a device designed to protect elite artistic exports to europe from imitations. Their pieces won awards at the major colonial art exhibitions of the time, remaining an unsurpassed milestone in the history of maghreb ceramic art. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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