Old ceramic jug from St Jean de Bretagne

A vintage bulbous jug with hand-painted decoration in bold shades of orange, brown, and deep black, typical of regional Breton ceramics. The body features a frieze of dotted orange triangles followed by a band of interlocking arches in shades of brown, all bordered by sharp black and orange stripes. The handle and neck are finished with a shiny black glaze that contrasts with the cream interior, making it both a decorative and sturdy object, designed for everyday use at the table. Stamped on the bottom: "Saint Jean de Bretagne – Décor main, " accompanied by the reference number 1018. A pottery established in 1943 (some sources indicate 1951) in the village of Saint-Jean-la-Poterie, in Morbihan. It employed up to 80 workers, many of whom were decorators, each applying the characteristic patterns by hand and signing their pieces with their initials. Known for its geometric designs in bright colours and touches of Celtic inspiration, the pottery closed in 1989 following a fire. Its creations, now sought after by collectors, remain a living testament to the revival of decorative Breton ceramics in the 20th century. Some areas of missing glaze should be noted.