Small Savoyard Ceramic Pitcher w/ Hand-Painted Abstract Frieze and Worn Patina - 5½"

This small Savoyard ceramic pitcher dates from the early 20th century and has a simple cylindrical form with a loop handle and a neatly pinched pouring spout typical of traditional Savoyard pitchers. The warm cream glaze is decorated with a lively frieze of stylized botanical motifs in terracotta, dark brown and green, arranged in a loose rhythm around the upper body. Small areas of glaze loss are visible across the surface, while the rim and interior show more pronounced wear, adding to its antique character. Because of the loss to the interior glaze, the pitcher should now be considered decorative, and a watertight liner is recommended if used as a vase.

Made for everyday use in modest households, pitchers like this combined sturdy, practical forms with simple but colorful decoration that brought cheer and individuality to ordinary domestic pottery. Its compact proportions and charming painted motif make it easy to display on open shelving, a kitchen dresser or among other regional ceramics, and it can also hold a small bouquet if used with a liner.