french production - Pot (2) - Céramique

A highly decorative pair of vintage French ceramic apothecary jugs, created in the tradition of historic pharmacy vessels and distinguished by their sculptural forms and richly hand-painted decoration.
The first piece is a particularly charming Clamecy art pottery apothecary jug, retaining its original metallic label reading “Céramique d’Art Clamecy – Décorée Main”, confirming its French origin and hand-painted decoration. The underside is additionally inscribed N°36 with a handwritten workshop notation.
Its unusual globular body is raised on an elegant pedestal foot and fitted with a large curved handle and distinctive tubular pouring spout. The decoration combines intense cobalt blue with green, yellow, pink and aubergine tones, surrounded by delicate floral motifs, small insects and ornamental foliage. The pharmaceutical inscription “OL. CAMPH.” refers to camphor oil, directly recalling traditional European apothecary vessels.
The second jug, marked L.B.P. beneath the base, presents a completely different yet beautifully complementary aesthetic. Its elegant baluster silhouette is decorated with intertwined serpentine creatures, botanical branches and fruit in sophisticated olive-green, yellow and black tones, surrounding the inscription “OL. SALVIAE” — traditionally referring to sage oil.
Together, the two pieces form a striking decorative pair celebrating the visual language of historic European pharmacies while displaying two very different interpretations of French ceramic craftsmanship.
Both pieces are preserved in very good vintage condition, with light traces of age and use consistent with their decorative and utilitarian history. The hand-painted irregularities are part of their individual character and craftsmanship.
Height — 22.5; 22,8 cm
Circumference widest part — 43.7; 44.5 cm
Top diameter — 9; 10 cm
Base diameter — 8.5; 11.3 cm