Spanish Librillo Serving Bowls 20th Century

Having sold our first collection of Spanish Librillo bowls, we contacted our friend in Catalonia to learn more about their history and to see whether any further examples were available.

This was his reply:

"They belonged to a man who was imprisoned in Figueres Castle from 1940 to 1948 as a result of the Spanish Civil War.   There he learned the potter's trade, and when he was released, he bought a pottery workshop in Figueres and dedicated himself to making basins and collecting them.   Later, he had a shop catering to tourists, and in the winter he made pottery, which he didn't sell; he collected it and gave it away.   My children and I are selling them off on behalf of his family."

Every bowl is unique, with charming hand-painted decoration. These traditional Spanish librillo bowls feature a green and white palette inspired by the celebrated Fajalauza ware of Granada, bringing a timeless Mediterranean character to any interior. Note that these style of bowls are still been produced by several different potteries..

Condition - So these are really "new old stock" having been made from the 1950's and then never left the pottery.   The condition is excellent with some crazing where they have been stacked for many years.  Because these are fully glazed, unlike the others we have available, we are suggesting these as salad / serving bowls as traditionally these would have been used for serving food in.

Hanging - If you would prefer we can add loops so that these are ready to hang and easy to style as a group installation or as individual statement pieces.  Its quite fun mixing the sizes if hung as a group.

Dimensions - 50 cm diameter x 15 h | 40 cm diameter x 10 h

Related Pieces - The images shown with French leather topped table and the Bobbin table show the 40 cm bowls mixed in with the 50 cm bowls .  I also have some of these available in huge 60 cm bowls and some fully glazed salad / fruit bowls. The painted Italian Sideboards are also available.