Cycladic tableware, carafe

These ceramic carafes, hand-thrown and hand-painted in Sifnos, in the Cyclades, feature the motifs dear to Nikos and his family: flowers, birds, the tree of life, ictus, octopuses, large fish, marine symbols, and ancient symbols. Each design is painted freehand, inspired by the moment. No two carafes are exactly alike, as if the sea, the wind, and the sun had also left their mark on the ceramic. Whether you pour cool water, juice, or a summer wine into them, your gaze is immediately drawn to the Mediterranean.

Here, the tradition dates back to antiquity. Pottery made on this small Cycladic island has long been transported by boat, delivered from village to village all the way to Athens. In the workshop located in the north of the island—which has no specific address; you find it by following directions from neighbors—pottery has been a family business for over a century. In the summer, production ramps up to meet the demand from vacationers and regular customers; the rest of the year, Nikos takes the time to create pieces for Athens’s upscale neighborhoods and for La Maison de Commerce Paris.

The style of this tableware is defined by subtle contrasts: a perfect balance between perfection and imperfection, simple yet expressive designs, clean lines, and vibrant colors. Timeless—if not eternal—these carafes evoke, in their own way, the sea, the sun, and that gentle wildness that characterizes the island. They invite you to mix and match patterns, to expand your collection of bowls, cups, and plates, and to set a table bursting with color—a little piece of the Mediterranean, a taste of summer, all year round.

Note: Each carafe is entirely hand-painted and therefore unique. The designs may vary—lighter or darker, more subtle or more pronounced—depending on the artisan’s imagination. To find out about the available designs and colors, please contact us at info@lamaisondecommerce.com or at 01 43 21 04 64.