The ceramics of Puglia are the result of a centuries-old tradition, which dates back to the 17th century. The main production centers are located in the Taranto area, in the Bari area in places like Rutigliano and Terlizzi, and in some areas of Salento.
Here in small workshops the artisans still pour their passion into the creation of unique objects, which are now part of the cultural heritage of an entire territory: “pumi”, “capasoni”, “pupa baffuta” and “limme”.
Pumi
They are also commonly called “pine cones” due to their shape. In reality they represent the bud of a flower ready to open with the arrival of spring. In ancient times these Apulian ceramics were placed on the galleries of stately buildings. Today, however, they are used as extremely elegant furnishing elements.
Pupa baffuta
The history of the “pupe with moustaches” dates back to the feudal period when the “jus primæ noctis” (unfair law) unleashed the jealousy of a future husband who, in order to avoid the unacceptable and taxing shame of having his wife possessed by the prince of the moment, disguised himself as a bride and presented himself before the nobleman. Unfortunately, he had forgotten to cut his moustache and was immediately discovered and arrested.
Capasone
Also called “zirra”, the capasone is a typical ceramic container from Puglia similar to a yellow jar. The term in the Apulian dialect means “large” and refers to the large size of the object. Precisely because of its characteristics, the ceramic capasoni from Puglia were used to preserve oil and wine.
Limmi
In the culinary tradition of Puglia, two things are of vital importance: oil and tomato. In Puglia, dozens of families still gather every year in the summer to prepare the famous preserve, which guarantees an excellent sauce all year round.
If you want to follow tradition to the letter, the pulp of the tomatoes passed before being bottled must be collected in the limmi, which are nothing more than clay “basins”. Even in this case, the typical ceramics of Puglia give their contribution to the tradition, giving life to something unique. This is precisely the strength of Puglia ceramics: the ability to transform everyday objects into small works of art.
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