Pair of Vintage Moroccan Fez Polychrome Ceramic Water Jugs, circa 1940

A highly decorative pair of large vintage Moroccan glazed ceramic water jugs, handcrafted and hand-painted in Fez, Morocco, circa 1940. With their sculptural rounded bodies, distinctive loop handles and exuberant polychrome decoration, the pair is a wonderful example of the celebrated ceramic tradition of Fez. Each vessel stands approximately 14 inches high by 9 inches in diameter, giving the pair substantial presence while remaining versatile enough for display on a console, sideboard, library shelf or large dining table. The white glazed ceramic bodies are richly decorated by hand with a lively combination of cobalt blue, turquoise, teal green, saffron orange-yellow, deep prune-red, black and ivory. Repeating floral and geometric motifs are organized within bold scalloped reserves, creating the rhythmic surface pattern characteristic of traditional Moroccan decorative pottery. The coloration and ornament reflect the broader Hispano-Moresque and Andalusian decorative vocabulary that profoundly influenced the architecture and decorative arts of Morocco. Cobalt and turquoise provide particularly strong visual accents against the ivory ground, while the darker outlines give the hand-painted motifs an almost graphic quality. The distinctive circular handles rise prominently above the vessels, creating strong sculptural silhouettes. Small openings incorporated into the upper sections further emphasize their original inspiration as traditional water vessels while making them especially interesting today as decorative objects. Handcrafted rather than industrially produced, the two vessels display the subtle irregularities, variations in brushwork and glaze characteristics that give traditional Moroccan ceramics their individuality and character. Displayed together, the pair makes a particularly strong decorative statement and would complement Mediterranean, Spanish Colonial, Moorish, Islamic, Moroccan, Bohemian and eclectic interiors. They could also provide a striking historical counterpoint within a restrained contemporary interior. Sold as a pair. Handcrafted and hand-painted in Fez, Morocco, circa 1940. Dimensions of each: approximately 14 in. H × 9 in. diameter. Condition: Good vintage condition with wear consistent with age and use. Natural variations associated with hand-thrown, hand-painted and glazed ceramic production should be considered part of the character of the pieces. Sold As: Set of 2 Category: Decorative Objects → Vases & Vessels / Ceramics Style: Islamic / Moorish Place of Origin: Morocco Region: Fez / Fès Period: Mid-20th Century Date of Manufacture: circa 1940 Materials: Glazed Ceramic Techniques: Hand-Crafted, Hand-Painted, Glazed Colors: Cobalt Blue, Turquoise, Teal, Saffron, Prune Red, Black, Ivory Height: 14 in. Diameter: 9 in. Condition: Good; wear consistent with age and use. SEO Keywords Moroccan Fez pottery, Fez ceramic water jug, Fès pottery, pair Moroccan ceramics, vintage Moroccan pottery, Moroccan water jugs, polychrome Moroccan ceramic, hand painted Fez pottery, Moroccan ceramic vessels, Moorish pottery, Islamic ceramics, Hispano Moresque ceramics, Andalusian pottery, Moroccan decorative vessels, cobalt blue Moroccan pottery, turquoise Moroccan ceramics, 1940s Moroccan pottery, North African ceramics, Moroccan folk art pottery, pair of Moroccan vases