Vase with two twisted handles, Ceramiche Nicola Fasano, Grottaglie

Earthenware vase from the Nicola Fasano workshop in Grottaglie, one of the oldest families of ceramicists in Puglia, with a tradition dating back several centuries. Its shape is inspired by ancient jugs and amphorae from southern Italy. A generous belly sits atop a flared foot and extends into a tall straight neck. Two twisted handles, handcrafted, wrap from the neck to the shoulder. Their relief weaving is typical of the craftsmanship of Grottaglie. The bright cream glaze features a completely hand-painted decoration. On the neck, a bouquet of yellow and red roses is surrounded by water green foliage. A frieze of orange scrolls runs around the belly, punctuated by red lanceolate motifs. Blue, grey, and orange fillets highlight the neck, shoulder, and foot. Under the base, in unglazed terracotta, is the stamp "Ceramiche Nicola Fasano – Grottaglie – Made in Italy" with the workshop's monogram. It is a cheerful and sunny piece, perfect for a bouquet of wildflowers or as a decorative object in a Mediterranean interior. Dimensions. Height: 24 cm. Width: 12 cm. Condition. Very good condition. There are no chips, cracks, or restorations. Some small firing irregularities (slight spots in the glaze) are noted, which are inherent to artisanal production. The base shows signs of use. Information. Workshop: Ceramiche Nicola Fasano, Grottaglie. Provenance: Puglia, Italy. Period: late 20th century. Material: glazed earthenware, hand-painted decoration. Colours: cream, orange, red, green, blue. Style: popular ceramic, Mediterranean.