Think about the objects that earn permanent residence on a dining table. A salt cellar. A candle. A small vase. These are things that belong there all the time — useful, decorative, and right. A ceramic jug is in this category, and it's one of the most underused objects in most kitchens.
What a jug actually does
A jug is, at its most basic, a container for pouring. But on a table, it's also a centrepiece — something with height and shape that gives the eye something to land on. A jug filled with water and left on the table means people can help themselves without interrupting the meal. Filled with flowers or stems, it's a vase with more personality than most vases. Left empty on a shelf, a well-made ceramic jug is simply a beautiful object.
The versatility is what makes it worth owning a good one.
The Fish Gluggle Jug from Portugal
The most distinctive jug in the Kiki Bazaar range is the Fish Gluggle Jug, handcrafted in Portugal. It's shaped like a fish — you pour liquid in through the tail, and air enters through the open mouth as you pour, creating the characteristic glugging sound that gives it its name. It's available in more than eleven colours, from white and cobalt to vivid yellows, reds, and greens.
It works as a water jug, a wine jug, a vase, or a shelf object. It's also one of those pieces that reliably gets noticed and commented on at the table — the kind of object that starts a conversation.
Choosing a ceramic jug
A few things to consider:
- Size: A small jug (around 500ml) is ideal for flowers or as a milk jug. A larger jug (1–1.5 litres) works for water at the table or loose flower arrangements.
- Neck width: A narrow neck keeps a flower arrangement upright and contained. A wide neck suits bunched flowers or kitchen utensil storage.
- Colour: Choose something you'll want to look at every day. A jug on the table is always in your eyeline.
- Weight: Handmade ceramic jugs are heavier than mass-produced alternatives. This is a quality indicator, not a drawback.
Beyond the table: other uses for a jug
- Utensil holder on the kitchen bench
- Vase for fresh or dried stems
- Decorative object on a shelf or windowsill
- Planter for a small herb or succulent (make sure the drainage is considered)
Frequently asked questions
Is a ceramic jug food and drink safe?
All ceramic jugs sold at Kiki Bazaar are food-safe. The Fish Gluggle Jug is designed specifically as a functional water and beverage jug.
How do I clean the inside of a ceramic jug?
Warm soapy water and a good swirl, then rinse thoroughly. A bottle brush helps for a thorough clean. The Fish Gluggle Jug's narrow neck at the tail end makes a bottle brush useful for keeping the interior clean, especially when used as a vase.
Can the Fish Gluggle Jug go in the dishwasher?
Yes — it's dishwasher-safe. Hand washing extends the life of the glaze finish.
Shop jugs and vases
Find the Fish Gluggle Jug and other handcrafted ceramics in the jugs and vases collection. For the full ceramics range from Spain and Portugal, visit the pottery and ceramics collection.
