Ceramic vase with four handles from Grottaglie, decorated with a rooster, Apulia.

Glazed terracotta vase from the workshops of Grottaglie, the historical capital of ceramics in Puglia. It has been hand-turned and hand-painted. Its baluster shape is inspired by the ancient oil jars of Salento. It features four handles: two loop handles and two "ear" handles, the ends of which are dipped in a manganese brown slip that runs down the body. On the main face, a stylised rooster is painted in ochre, pink, brown, and cobalt blue. The stroke is lively and spontaneous, typical of the popular production of Grottaglie. The reverse is scattered with blue daisies. Brown fillets highlight the neck and base. The cream glaze is shiny and slightly speckled. The interior is glazed in earth colour. The unglazed underside reveals the local red clay and some drips of glaze, which testify to artisanal production. This is an authentic piece of craftsmanship from southern Italy. It is suitable on its own, with a bouquet of dried flowers, or on a rustic or Mediterranean shelf. Dimensions. Height: 21 cm. Width: 16 cm. Condition. Good vintage condition. There are no cracks or restorations. There are small chips in the glaze at the edge of the neck and at the base, as well as slight signs of use. The firing irregularities and drips are original and characteristic of artisanal production. Please refer to the photos. Information. Period: 1950s–1970s. Provenance: Grottaglie, Puglia, Italy. Material: glazed terracotta (majolica) Colours: cream, blue, brown. Style: popular ceramics, Mediterranean.