Stoneware wine pitcher Marzi & Remy "Wine dispels sadness"

Superb wine jug (or handled pitcher) with a capacity of 50 centilitres (indicated by the engraved fraction "1/2"), produced by the illustrious German manufacturer Marzi & Remy in the heart of the famous ceramic region of Westerwald. This historical piece in salt-glazed stoneware is distinguished by its heraldic and floral decoration in strong cobalt blue relief, superbly contrasting with a traditionally grey clay. The front features a large moulded cartouche displaying the Epicurean saying in French: "Wine dispels sadness!" This famous maxim is a direct reference to the air from the Bacchic song in Ambroise Thomas's opera Hamlet (1868). The base bears its original moulded marking: the mould shape number "2956" as well as the authenticity mention "MADE IN GERMANY". A highly decorative piece of popular Rhenish art sought after by collectors of Westerwald pottery. Characteristics: • Manufacturer: Marzi & Remy (Westerwald, Germany) • Archive model: Number 2956. • Inscription: Wine dispels sadness! • Era: Circa 1960-1970. • Dimensions: Height 15 cm|Diameter 8 cm|Width with handle 12 cm (Capacity 50 cl) • Condition: Splendid vintage conservation state. The stoneware is perfectly sound and the cobalt blue glaze has a remarkable shine.