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Chicken jug

I know this is a completely random question but when my parents visited Italy they brought home a ceramic chicken jug (or rooster pitcher??) I just loved it so much and I would really like to get one. I think they got it on the Amalfi Coast somewhere but I wasn't planning on travelling down that far. I will be travelling between Rome and Milan/Lake Como. Does anyone know of any possible places I could find such an item? I know it isn't to everyone's taste but I have such fond memories...

Posted by
1369 posts

Look at Google Images for "Deruta rooster pitcher" and "rooster pitcher Amalfi Coast" and see if any of those are the one your parents like.

I have found vintage Italian ceramics on eBay several times and there are also Italian imports online. If you want to find a pitcher in Italy, it will help to know which pattern you want, and then you could actually visit Orvieto or Deruta or Florence or wherever and buy one.

Posted by
847 posts

I got one similar to what you describe in Rome. Near Piazza Navona. So I don't think they are regional. Probably find them in various places around Italy. I'm pretty sure I've seen others as well as the one I got in Rome.

Posted by
1662 posts

Hi,

Since you will be in Rome, Orvieto may be your best bet --- Orvieto is about an hour or so by train (Termini.)

I cannot recall stores in Rome selling ceramics in high volume. Or, at least not in the city centre areas I was in.

This store is recommended by a travel blogger:

Jolanda Artiginato
Via del Duomo 66/68
Tel: +39.0763.342.420

https://www.browsingitaly.com/umbria/la-brocca-di-gallo-rooster-pitcher-italy/4579/
"La Brocca di Gallo: The Rooster Pitcher of Italy"

Check out this for more stores in Orvieto:
https://www.google.com/search?q=buying+ceramics+in+orvieto+shopping&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b-1-ab

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g194843-d8073358-r271822563-Ceramiche_Bellocci-Orvieto_Province_of_Terni_Umbria.html (recent 2019 reviews)

  • Naturally, always check the websites or google addys for accurate info -- if they are still in business, store openings, directions, etc.
Posted by
366 posts

As others have mentioned, it is a rooster pitcher. A black rooster is the symbol of the Chianti Classico wine and this symbol on many bottles designates it as such. The rooster is seen everywhere in the Chianti region and if you have a bottle of CC, see if you have a small symbol on the neck of the bottle. The rooster pitcher is sold throughout northern Italy in the magnificent ceramic shops and now you know why!

Posted by
3940 posts

We got some nice ceramic tiles in Cinque Terre, and I have photos I took of ceramic shops with lots of colourful bowls, plates and whatnot out front.

Posted by
2047 posts

Did a quick Google search and looks like ebay is selling Deruta chicken pots for not too much. Might be easier than trying to bring one home from Italy without breaking.

Posted by
13800 posts

Now this is a really random suggestion, but be sure to go by TJMaxx. I HAVE seen some Deruta ceramic pieces on occasion there which shocked the heck out of me because we went to Deruta on a Rick Steves tour and saw them being hand painted.

Of course, the local TJ Maxx is NOT as interesting and romantic as bringing home something from Italy but it's much easier than having to pack something breakable or have it shipped.

Posted by
24 posts

Thank you so much for all your replies. Now I know what they're called I'll keep an eye out in Florence and maybe even make a trip to Orvieto. Hopefully I'll be able to bring one back safe and sound!

Posted by
1369 posts

Soooooooo, which rooster pitcher is YOUR rooster pitcher?

Posted by
8293 posts

I think “chicken jug” sounds like a dance.

Doin’ the chicken jug with my best gal ........

Posted by
2455 posts

Klraison, by happenstance, just today I stopped in a local consignment shop that focuses on ethnic arts, and sure enough there was just the jug you are inquiring about. A chicken jug or pitcher, about 8 inches high, white background, with Deruta style “dragon” decoration. The price on it was $35. I believe it was just marked Made in Italy on the bottom, did not say Deruta. By the way, where are you located, klraison?

Posted by
24 posts

Thank you for all your replies! I am going to Italy in a week and am determined to find one when I'm there. More meaningful to me that way. Really looking forward to my trip!

Posted by
2047 posts

Will say the 80 pound rug we bought the 2nd day of our 3 week vacation and lugged around Turkey always brings back memories.

Posted by
11052 posts

I bought one in Spello, Umbria near the bottom of Main Street.
If you visit Deruta go to Grazia to buy your ceramics, high quality, excellent shipping services.
They also were for sale in Portugal

Posted by
7123 posts

I did see some of the pitchers at Montepulciano, also.

Okay, confession time, Pam. I also bought an Italian “souvenir” years ago at TJMaxx’s cousin, Ross Dress for Less or the Home Goods store! I found a beautiful gold flattened bowl with the fluttery edges with its Murano sticker that I had just seen when we visited Murano. It looked so pretty on our dining room table sitting on the beautiful table runner that I brought home from Venice.

And my mom received some Mozart candy from me one year for Christmas after we had been in Salzburg, Austria. (She was a piano instructor.). I bought the candy from World Market at home!