Indigo Pitcher

Name: Indigo Pitcher
 
Type: None
 
Year: circa 1950s–1970s
 
Set: No
 
Mark: Unknown - Vicarze/Agueda, Portugal
 
History: This is a traditional Portuguese hand-painted pitcher from the region of Águeda, made by the Vicarze ceramics workshop, as indicated by the handwritten mark on the base. The body is bulbous with a flared rim and distinct pouring spout, accented with a cobalt blue rim and stylized floral decoration in dark and light blues, characteristic of mid-century decorative wares.
 
 
The glaze exhibits intentional crazing—a stylistic feature often found in this type of ware—rather than a defect, aligning it with rustic European earthenware traditions. The freehand painted design suggests artisanal craftsmanship rather than mass production, and the “5-EX” mark may denote a batch or decorator code used internally by the pottery.
 
 
There’s no major damage visible, though surface wear and glaze crazing are consistent with age. It’s a charming piece suitable for rustic or farmhouse décor, functional for water or flowers, but mostly collected today as a decorative item.
 
Flaws: Age related crazing