Pair of Late 19th-Century Ebony-Glazed Ceramic Demoiselles d'Avignon - 15"

This pair of late 19th-century "Demoiselles d’Avignon" stands out for its elegant lines and richly detailed relief decoration, which differs subtly between the two. Made of dark glazed ceramic, these pitchers feature a slender neck and finely crafted handles—one of which is twisted—lending the ensemble a refined character. Their rounded bodies are adorned with applied floral and scroll motifs, typical of vessels used for transporting spirits, particularly raki. 

Of Turkish origin, these pitchers were imported in large quantities and sold at the famous Beaucaire Fair, a major commercial hub in southern France until the 19th century. They were primarily used to store and transport raki, an aniseed eau-de-vie highly prized in the Ottoman Empire and widely consumed in Provence at the time. Their forms and decorations were adapted to local tastes, blending Eastern influences with the Mediterranean sensibilities characteristic of regional trade.

Today, these pieces bring a touch of authenticity and historical charm to interior décor. Displayed as a pair on a sideboard or shelf, they fit beautifully into Provençal or bohemian-inspired settings. Their glossy glaze catches the light elegantly, and they can also be repurposed as vases for dried flowers, highlighting their graceful silhouette and rich artisanal heritage.