A charming Egyptian Fayoum ceramic fish bowl, individually handmade and hand-painted by artisan potter Turath in the village of Tunis. Featuring a wonderfully expressive stylised fish decorated with bold cobalt blue spots, the design reflects the natural beauty and traditional folk art of Egypt's Fayoum Oasis.
The beautifully detailed fish fills the centre of the bowl, with its striking blue scales, delicately patterned fins and playful expression creating a wonderfully distinctive design. The rich cobalt blue contrasts beautifully with the soft ivory glaze, while the natural terracotta-coloured rim adds warmth and rustic character.
Measuring 13 cm in diameter, this delightful little bowl is a lovely decorative piece, perfect for displaying on a kitchen shelf, dresser or table. Its spontaneous hand-painted decoration and gently irregular form celebrate the individuality of traditional Egyptian artisan pottery.
Dimensions: 13 cm Diameter x 4 cm Height
Hand washing recommended
Avoid sudden changes in temperature
Handmade and hand-painted earthenware
Design: Stylised Fish with Cobalt Blue Spots
Colours: Cobalt Blue, Turquoise and Ivory
Handmade by artisan potter Turath
Origin: Tunis Village, Fayoum, Egypt
Model Number: TU008
Each piece is individually handmade, with natural variations in shape, colour, glaze and decoration.
Traditional Egyptian Fayoum Pottery
This beautiful Egyptian pottery is handmade in the small oasis village of Tunis in Fayoum, using traditional techniques and local materials, including clay sourced from Aswan in the Nile Valley.
The revival of pottery in Tunis is closely associated with Swiss-born ceramic artist Evelyne Porret, who established the Fayoum Pottery School in the 1980s. Her work helped introduce new generations of local artisans to traditional pottery techniques and distinctive decorative styles.
Today, Tunis is renowned for its community of independent pottery workshops, where skilled artisans create wonderfully individual ceramics inspired by the surrounding oasis landscape.
Birds, flowers, palm trees and other elements of the natural world feature prominently in the designs, often interpreted in a charmingly free and naïve style. Each piece celebrates the creativity of its maker, with subtle variations in form, pattern and colour making every item unique.
Why We Love It
We love the wonderfully playful fish motif and the beautiful contrast between the deep cobalt blue decoration and soft ivory glaze. The boldly spotted scales and finely patterned fins give this little bowl a remarkable amount of character.
Its compact size makes it particularly appealing, while the expressive hand-painted decoration is a lovely example of the creativity and individuality of Fayoum pottery.
Styling Tip
Display this charming little fish bowl on an open kitchen shelf or dresser alongside other Egyptian Fayoum ceramics, where its distinctive blue decoration can be enjoyed.
Alternatively, use it as a decorative trinket dish on a bedside table or console, or group it with other small handmade bowls to create an eclectic collection of traditional pottery.
SKU: 2492