Make That Studio designs minimal version of traditional Sicilian jug
Italian design office Make That Studio has unveiled a jug based on the water-smoothed shapes of riverbed pebbles (+ slideshow).
![Petra jug by Make That Studio](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/10/Petra-jug_Make-That-Studio_dezeen_936_6.jpg)
The oval jug takes its cues from an ancient Sicilian container that dates back hundreds of years and was typically used to store oil or water – although it is now mostly sold as a souvenir in the district of Caltagirone.
![Petra jug by Make That Studio](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/10/Petra-jug_Make-That-Studio_dezeen_936_0.jpg)
The distinguishing feature of the jug is a stoppered funnel that leads up from the base, allowing it to be filled from the bottom.
Traditionally the container was conical-shaped and featured a protruding side spout. But Make That Studio referred to the water-smoothed shapes of pebbles found in the Simeto – the main river that runs through Sicily – for its redesign. Its version is named Pètra.
![Petra jug by Make That Studio](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/10/Petra-jug_Make-That-Studio_dezeen_936_7.jpg)
Like its predecessor, the ceramic container has a hole in the bottom that means it can be filled from an inverted position, as well as a single puncture hole in one side that allows liquid to be poured in a thin stream.
"We wanted to give a new life to the aesthetics of this jug, creating a contemporary tableware accessory that represents the history of the Sicilian island, characterised by countless cultural influences," said the studio, who work across a range of disciplines including graphic design, art direction and styling.
![Petra jug by Make That Studio](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/10/Petra-jug_Make-That-Studio_dezeen_936_12.jpg)
The limited-edition jugs are available in both glossy white and matt stone from Improntabarre, and come as numbered pieces.
![Petra jug by Make That Studio](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/10/Petra-jug_Make-That-Studio_dezeen_936_9.jpg)
Other designers have also dabbled with reinventing jugs for contemporary audiences. Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola reinterpreted a Basque jug design for Bilbao restaurants, retaining its distinctive slanted shape, while Ian Aandersson purposefully deformed traditional shapes to increase functionality.