This large unusual jug is so charming, it is a riot of colour and innovative design, having very unusual floral applied flowers in horizontal bands which resemble British Iced Gem biscuits. The flowers look like piped icing decorations on a cake. The jug has a handpainted liberally applied streaked earth-tone brown glaze that has the appearance of wood. The glaze has been applied rather haphazardly, adding to its rustic feel. The coloured glaze on the flowers has also intentionally been applied without too much precision. The jug has also been glazed on the inside.
The jug has a rustic shape and the overall style of the piece is an unusual combination of country charm and mid century ‘flower power’. With its bright happy colours it would add a touch of charm to your home and would be a unique talking point as a memorable vintage designer piece of mid-century pottery.
It has ‘Made In Italy’ stamped on the base. It is thought to have been produced for Elbee and made during the 1960s-1970’s.
Care:
Hand wash gently, do not put in a dishwasher.
Approximate measurements:
Height 16cm or 6.25 inches
Width including handle 20cm or 8 inches
Condition:
The condition is very good overall, with a couple of minor flaws. The jug itself isn't chipped or cracked. A blue flower on the bottom band is missing a petal. A green flower on the top band next to the handle has a misshapen petal which is a manufacturing flaw. See the photos for further details.
The price includes shipping within the U.K.
All my vintage items will show signs of previous use, I carefully describe the condition and point out any flaws.
I use reclaimed packaging, my priority is to pack to a very high standard and to ship orders quickly.
Fratelli Fanciullacci was an Italian ceramics company founded in the mid 19th century at
Capraia Fiorentino near Florence, although the family had been involved with ceramics long before. In 1911 the company moved to the other side of the Arno River at Montelupo.
Initially, Fratelli Fanciullacci produced traditional designs, but during the 1950s, they oriented towards more innovative designs influenced by contemporary art movements such as Abstract Expressionism and Cubism. Their pieces began to feature bold colours, geometric patterns, and abstract motifs.
During this period, Fratelli Fanciullacci gained international recognition for their unique style and craftsmanship. They collaborated with prominent artists and designers, further enhancing their reputation.
In 1966 the Arno river flooded and valuable moulds, records and inventory were lost, and the kilns were destroyed. The company remained closed for a year after this, many of their best employees left, and the company never recovered properly from the flood.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Fratelli Fanciullacci continued to experiment with glazes and forms, creating distinctive pieces that reflected the spirit of the era. However, with the decline in consumer demand in the late 20th century, the company faced challenges, eventually ceasing production in the late 1980s.
Despite their closure, Fratelli Fanciullacci ceramics remain highly collectible today, prized for their artistic quality and historical significance in the evolution of Italian pottery.
Fratelli Fanciullacci had a collaborative relationship with the ceramics company Elbee during the 1960s and 1970s. Elbee was known for its modernist designs and innovative approach to ceramics production. Fratelli Fanciullacci collaborated with Elbee on certain projects, contributing their expertise in craftsmanship and design to create unique ceramic pieces. This collaboration would have allowed both companies to leverage each other's strengths and expand their market presence during that period.