Italian Terracotta Amphora | Water Vessel

Item Type: Pre-Loved

A mid-century Italian terracotta amphora that holds its place in a room without trying — the kind of vessel that belongs on a stone shelf, a garden step, or beside a doorway as naturally as if it had always been there.

Thrown in the ancient amphora form, with two generous handles rising from the shoulder and a gently tapering body. The terracotta is unglazed and warm in tone — the natural clay colour deepened by age and the slow absorption that comes with use as a water vessel. The surface carries the texture of the hand and the kiln rather than the machine. At 30 cm tall with a 16 cm diameter, it holds a room without dominating it.

Italian terracotta production in the 1950s was rooted in regional workshop traditions that stretched back centuries — Tuscany, Umbria, and Sicily each with their own clay bodies and firing methods. Pieces from this era were made for use, not decoration, which is precisely what gives them their weight and presence today. The amphora form itself is one of the oldest in Mediterranean pottery, unchanged in its proportions because the proportions work.

Key Features

• Finish / Material: Unglazed terracotta · Natural clay body · Hand-thrown form
• Era: 1950s Italian workshop production
• Features: Twin shoulder handles · Tapering amphora body · Unglazed interior and exterior
• Included: Vessel only

Dimensions

H 30 cm · Ø 16 cm · approx. 1,250 g

Care Instructions

• Wipe with a dry or barely damp cloth — unglazed terracotta absorbs moisture and can mark with prolonged water exposure
• Do not submerge or soak — the clay body will absorb water and may develop surface bloom over time
• Keep away from frost if used outdoors — unglazed terracotta is susceptible to freeze-thaw cracking
• A light coat of natural beeswax or linseed oil can stabilise the surface and deepen the tone if desired

Item Details:

Brand: L'Officina General Store

Made in: Italy

Material: Stoneware

Detailed Dimensions:

• Width: 16 cm
• Length: 30 cm
• Height:
• Diameter:
• Weight: 1250 g

Our commitment is simple:

• buy fewer, choose with intention
• invest in quality that endures and can be repaired
• favour pre-loved pieces, and noble materials that are plastic-free and chemical-free
• support European makers and considered production
• adopt a quieter, more responsible way of living

Thoughtfully crafted and sourced in Europe, each piece combines enduring design with lasting quality — helping you surround yourself with beauty.

Indicative Delivery Times:

• Italy: 2-4 working days
• European Union: 2–7 working days
• Rest of the world: 3–10 working days
• Standard and Express delivery available at checkout.

Shipping Costs:

• Italy from €4.90 EUR
• European Union from €6.90 EUR
• Rest of the World calculated at checkout

Free Delivery:

• Italy and European Union: Orders above €100 EUR
• Rest of the World: Orders above €500 EUR
• Express delivery are not subject to free delivery.

Shipping Schedule:

• We ship Monday to Friday, excluding Italian bank holidays.
• Orders placed before 6pm CET (on a work day) are shipped next day.

Customs & duties: For orders outside the EU, any applicable customs fees or duties are the responsibility of the buyer

NB: From our home in the heart of Tuscany, parcels are collected and shipped by our partners on Italian business days only (Monday to Friday).

See our full shipping policy: here

Love Every Piece

Your happiness matters — we want you to love every piece you bring home.

Return Window

You have 28 calendar days to return unused, tagged items in their original packaging.

Easy Returns

Just contact us, and we’ll arrange your return.

Italy:

• Drop-off point: €2.90 EUR
• Home collection: €5.50 EUR

(Return costs will be deducted from your refund.)

European Union & Rest of the World:

• We don’t currently offer free returns, but we’ll support you wherever possible.
  

Damaged or Wrong Item?

Choose a replacement, voucher, or full refund — whatever works best for you.

Non-Returnable Items

Earrings, beauty products, final sale items, and pre-loved products in “Fair” condition, as well as e-gift cards.

Questions?

Email us at info@officinageneralstore.com

See our full Returns & Refunds Policy for more details.