I know I go on and on about ceramics. If you follow this blog then you know I’ve got a serious addiction thing going on. The only thing stopping me from indulging (besides cost, that is) is space. Unless I start buying new cupboards to store them in, I can’t fit one more plate/cut/bowl/platter in my life.
My good intentions were sorely tried two weeks ago when we were in Puglia. While I was able to assuage my cravings while in Cutrofiano by buying a half dozen tiny bowls that will make great gifts for my friends, I was almost brought to tears when we happened upon a trove of absolutely gorgeous antique plates and jugs.
There I was, in Ostuni, walking along innocently, minding my own business when a ray of sunlight caught my eye. And there is was: a perfectly spattered, just-chipped-enough-to-be-interesting, rustic pitcher, posing in a pool of light, on top of about a half a dozen equally patina-speckled plates and bowls.
Assuming this store must have their best ware displayed in the sun-filled window I expected nothing as I stepped inside. Much to my dismay the tiny shop was jammed to the rafters with the ceramics of my dreams. Piles and piles of tiles, jugs, bowls and plates, all rustically painted and worn down with usage and decades of love.
I was strong. I did not succumb. First of all because we were taking the train back and there was only so much I could carry. Second of all because I sort of shopped vicariously through my friends Martha and Dena who both did some serious damage despite the fact they had to pack it and get it back to the States. And finally? My real reason for not buying anything? I promised myself I would be back.
Antichita La Puglia
Via Cattedrale 6
I suffer from the same lust myself. However, viewing your photos did bring on a craving. The old pottery is very tempting indeed. Good thing I am far from the source!
Wonderful photos. I have a pitcher from Puglia that I have seen in a book on le masserie. It gives me so much pleasure. Are prices sky high in Ostuni as I found them to be in Vasto last summer? Also, have you noticed fakes anywhere? I have in the US. Sad.
Fakes of antiques? I’m always suspicious, especially when the prices are too high.
What a tresure trove of ceramic beauty. Thanks for sharing. I am also addicted and sometimes a few photos can be satisfying but nothing like bringing home a few new treasures. Happy hunting in the future !!!
Be still my heart.
My weakness as well….can’t wait to check this place out next time in Ostuni….thanks for the tip!
I love that your collect the old ceramics!! I have some old peices from my mother in law that I love chipped and all it it the history and memories that they create! Hope you keep on collecting and you get back there! My husband family are from Puglia and I love it!!!
All I can say is wow…
wow! I don’t think I could have restrained myself! Where to start, though? Almost too many good choices. Your friends are lucky to have you as a guide. 🙂
oh, please set up a little site and let us order from the ancient, chipped, beauties – i was in Puglia this year – I so want their rooster – I did not find a good source – my heart aches … and the food and the olives (I understand the trees are in serious danger … this is horrible news) – but perhaps it is best to keep this area of Italy a secret??? – we fell in love with their wine – Primitivo – and so, such great memories – thank you Miss E. for your reporting … oh, and do let me know about my rooster …
Did you mean a rooster shaped pitcher? Not a lot of those down there, more of a central Italian thing.
But…and don’t tell Domenico, I have a suggestion! Move some of the stuff you have already into a storage unit somewhere close to home and welcome in the NEW! What do you think??? There were a few of the ceramics I would have been hard pressed to leave behind but my husband tells me all the extra room in the luggage is for wine and wine only! Jeez what a Scrooge! Bet you are just itching to get back to Ostuni!
My husband and I also visited this shop and loved it! We buy and sell Southern Italian ceramics, mainly confit pots. Actually I think our trade prices are cheaper than his.
Thank you for your beautiful article.
Julie and Rudi (mangan antiques)
I can’t believe I just came across your blog. I was googling “antique Puglian pottery” because I, too, happened upon this antique shop TODAY while in Ostuni and bought some gorgeous antique pottery! So much that I am shipping it home to the states because with three little kids in tow we have SO much luggage and no room to spare. But I am just so thrilled…truly the highlight of my trip so far.
YAY!!!