Anthropomorphic Vase In Glazed Terracotta, France, Late 19th Century

An astonishing anthropomorphic vase, hand-modeled in a local red clay, depicting a bearded male face wearing a ribbed cap. The green glaze, rich in copper oxide, has been applied irregularly, revealing beautiful natural drips that underline the spontaneous character of this creation. The deliberately naive modeling gives the piece an expressive and authentic presence, typical of southern folk pottery. This type of so-called face jug belongs to an ancient tradition of peasant ceramics in the South of France, where potters fashioned human or animal figures for humorous, symbolic or votive purposes. The workshops of Aubagne, Uzès, Vallauris and Roussillon produced several variants of these objects in the 19th century, intended for both domestic use and decoration. The deep green hue, the glaze drips and the base left raw are recurring characteristics. Good general condition for a popular piece of this period, with slight wear of enamel and some chips of use visible on the beard and the base, witnesses of the age and the artisanal firing. Attractive natural patina. Work of the South of France, probably Languedoc or Rhône Valley, circa 1890–1910. Object of folk art of great charm, both expressive and decorative, testifying to the know-how and the imagination of the regional potters. These pieces, rare in good condition, are today sought after by the amateurs of regional glazed ceramics and anthropomorphic pottery. wear of use.