A striking oversized hand-painted ceramic bowl dating back to the mid 19th century and originating from Grottaglie, a town in the southern Italian region of Puglia renowned for its centuries-old pottery tradition. Featuring charming cobalt-blue floral motifs framed by fine maroon-brown concentric stripes, this beautifully rustic bowl is a distinctive example of traditional Pugliese farmhouse pottery and the region's rich ceramic heritage.
The understated decoration draws on the traditional righe e stelle (stripes and stars) motif, characteristic of Grottaglie's domestic ceramics. Combining painted stripes with stylised floral or star-like formations, these decorative patterns were often created using simple stencils, originally cut from sponges from the mid-19th century onwards. This particular bowl features a charming interpretation of the traditional design, with small four-petal blue floral motifs arranged rhythmically around the wide rim, framed by two fine maroon-brown circular lines.
Hand-thrown in terracotta and finished in a soft buttermilk-hued glaze, the large shallow bowl has a beautifully restrained colour palette typical of traditional Southern Italian pottery. Its gently irregular surface, areas of glaze wear and wonderfully timeworn patina reflect the character of a piece that has been used and treasured over generations. The subtle discolouration and signs of age add depth and texture, giving the bowl an individual appearance that only daily use and the passing of time can authentically bring about.
Originally created for everyday domestic use, this generously proportioned bowl would have been used to serve food at family mealtimes in a Pugliese household, potentially remaining in use until the mid-20th century. Its impressive 40 cm diameter and gently sloping sides make it a particularly striking example of traditional Italian farmhouse pottery, where functionality and simple decorative beauty sit effortlessly together.
Both decorative and evocative of Southern Italy's rural heritage, this extra-large antique ceramic bowl would make a beautiful centrepiece on a dining or farmhouse table, displayed on its own or filled with seasonal fruit and vegetables. Alternatively, its generous proportions and delicate hand-painted decoration lend themselves perfectly to an impactful wall display. Pair it with other antique Pugliese ceramic plates as seen in the photos to create a collected arrangement of rustic forms, colours and textures that brings a touch of Southern Italian farmhouse charm to any table-setting or interior.
Details
Period: Mid 1800s
Origin: Grottaglie, Puglia, Southern Italy
Found: Lecce, Salento, Puglia
Material: Hand-thrown terracotta, glazed and hand-painted
Dimensions: H 8 cm × W 40 cm × D 40 cm
These are handmade antique ceramics that are perfectly imperfect, with some having been used for generations. Please expect signs of age and use, including occasional cracks, chips and discolouration. These individual characteristics are part of the charm, history and unique quality of each piece. Please note that colours may vary slightly from screen to screen.
A striking oversized hand-painted ceramic bowl dating back to the mid 19th century and originating from Grottaglie, a town in the southern Italian region of Puglia renowned for its centuries-old pottery tradition. Featuring charming cobalt-blue floral motifs framed by fine maroon-brown concentric stripes, this beautifully rustic bowl is a distinctive example of traditional Pugliese farmhouse pottery and the region's rich ceramic heritage.
The understated decoration draws on the traditional righe e stelle (stripes and stars) motif, characteristic of Grottaglie's domestic ceramics. Combining painted stripes with stylised floral or star-like formations, these decorative patterns were often created using simple stencils, originally cut from sponges from the mid-19th century onwards. This particular bowl features a charming interpretation of the traditional design, with small four-petal blue floral motifs arranged rhythmically around the wide rim, framed by two fine maroon-brown circular lines.
Hand-thrown in terracotta and finished in a soft buttermilk-hued glaze, the large shallow bowl has a beautifully restrained colour palette typical of traditional Southern Italian pottery. Its gently irregular surface, areas of glaze wear and wonderfully timeworn patina reflect the character of a piece that has been used and treasured over generations. The subtle discolouration and signs of age add depth and texture, giving the bowl an individual appearance that only daily use and the passing of time can authentically bring about.
Originally created for everyday domestic use, this generously proportioned bowl would have been used to serve food at family mealtimes in a Pugliese household, potentially remaining in use until the mid-20th century. Its impressive 40 cm diameter and gently sloping sides make it a particularly striking example of traditional Italian farmhouse pottery, where functionality and simple decorative beauty sit effortlessly together.
Both decorative and evocative of Southern Italy's rural heritage, this extra-large antique ceramic bowl would make a beautiful centrepiece on a dining or farmhouse table, displayed on its own or filled with seasonal fruit and vegetables. Alternatively, its generous proportions and delicate hand-painted decoration lend themselves perfectly to an impactful wall display. Pair it with other antique Pugliese ceramic plates as seen in the photos to create a collected arrangement of rustic forms, colours and textures that brings a touch of Southern Italian farmhouse charm to any table-setting or interior.
Details
Period: Mid 1800s
Origin: Grottaglie, Puglia, Southern Italy
Found: Lecce, Salento, Puglia
Material: Hand-thrown terracotta, glazed and hand-painted
Dimensions: H 8 cm × W 40 cm × D 40 cm
These are handmade antique ceramics that are perfectly imperfect, with some having been used for generations. Please expect signs of age and use, including occasional cracks, chips and discolouration. These individual characteristics are part of the charm, history and unique quality of each piece. Please note that colours may vary slightly from screen to screen.
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