Vintage Hand-Painted Floral Faïence Pitcher
This vintage faïence pitcher combines a sculptural silhouette with lively hand-painted flowers and geometric borders. Its rounded body narrows at the neck before opening into a broad, flared mouth. A substantial loop handle follows the curve between the upper neck and shoulder.
Colourful decoration brings movement to the white-glazed surface. Pink and red petals surround yellow centres, with green leaves spreading between cobalt blue flourishes. The result is cheerful and expressive without losing its clear decorative structure.
Floral Panels and Geometric Borders
Large flowers occupy framed panels around the main body. Fine vertical blue lines divide these panels, while curved brushstrokes fill the spaces beside the blossoms. The painted strokes vary naturally in width and intensity.
Broad blue bands circle the shoulder above the floral panels. Between them, a narrower border combines terracotta-coloured star-like forms, green dots and short blue strokes. Thin wavy lines add another layer of detail around the neck and lower body.
Small floral sprigs decorate the upper section, leaving more of the white ground exposed. Blue dashes follow the rim and continue across the handle. These repeated touches connect the open mouth with the richly decorated body below.
A Distinctive Pitcher Form
The wide upper opening contrasts strongly with the narrow neck and rounded lower body. A pinched pouring lip interrupts the flared rim. From the side, the loop handle creates an open curve behind the upper section.
The body tapers towards a compact base edged in blue. Beneath it, the unglazed underside carries an incised mark. The base photograph shows this mark alongside the texture and surface wear of the exposed earthenware.
Size and Display
The pitcher stands approximately 24 cm high, with a body diameter of approximately 11 cm. The handle and flared mouth extend beyond that body measurement. Its vertical proportions give the floral decoration a strong presence without requiring a large display area.
The combination of cobalt blue, green, pink, red and yellow works especially well against neutral surroundings. Display it alone to emphasise the silhouette, or beside simpler ceramics to highlight the painted borders.
Condition
Good vintage condition overall, with vivid decoration and minor surface marks consistent with age and use. The body, spout and handle are intact, with no chips or cracks. Light wear is visible on the unglazed underside and base edge.
Key Details
Type: Faïence pitcher
Period: 20th century
Material: Glazed earthenware
Decoration: Hand-painted floral panels and geometric borders
Colours: White, cobalt blue, pink, red, green, yellow and terracotta
Form: Rounded body, narrow neck, flared mouth and loop handle
Mark: Incised mark on the unglazed underside
Body diameter: Approximately 11 cm / 4.3 inches
Height: Approximately 24 cm / 9.4 inches
Condition: Good vintage condition with minor surface wear
Quantity: One pitcher
SKU: 2C175
Why It’s Special
The appeal lies in the balance between the dramatic flared form and the freely painted decoration. Bold flowers give the body its character. Repeating blue borders and striped handle details bring the whole composition together.
