19th-Century Southern French Yellow-Glazed Terracotta Confit Pots - Pair

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Description

A matched pair of nineteenth-century Southern French confit or preserving pots, circa 1850–1880, hand-thrown in coarse terracotta or earthenware and … Read more A matched pair of nineteenth-century Southern French confit or preserving pots, circa 1850–1880, hand-thrown in coarse terracotta or earthenware and finished with traditional mustard-yellow to ochre glaze. The form and construction are associated with the pottery traditions of Southern and Southwestern France, including Castelnaudary, and retain the utilitarian characteristics of regional preserving vessels of the period.

Each vessel is formed with a substantial ovoid body rising to a rolled and slightly flared rim, with paired loop or ear handles applied at the shoulders and a small circular foot ring below. The throwing is visibly irregular, with variations in wall contour, surface texture and firing characteristic of individually made earthenware. The exposed lower bodies reveal coarse buff, pink and reddish terracotta with natural tonal variation.

The mustard-ochre glaze covers the interiors and approximately the upper half of each exterior, terminating irregularly around the bodies rather than at a mechanically uniform line. Numerous glaze runs descend onto the unglazed terracotta below. The partial glazing is consistent with the traditional construction of French preserving jars, leaving much of the lower body exposed.

Both pots retain extensive evidence of age and utilitarian use. The surfaces show substantial glaze loss, rim and body chipping, abrasion, exposed clay, discoloration, firing irregularities and accumulated surface variation. Despite these losses, no structural cracks are observed and both vessels remain structurally sound. One pot has a later drilled opening through the base, consistent with subsequent adaptation for drainage or another secondary use.

The pair is closely matched in scale, form, glaze colour and degree of wear, each measuring approximately 11.25 inches high and weighing approximately 6.7 lb.

Measurements: Approximately 11.25 in H × 10 in W × 12 in L each

Weight: Approximately 6.7 lb each; 13.4 lb combined

Style: French Provincial, French Country

Origin: Southern France, probably Southwestern France / Castelnaudary tradition

Age: Circa 1850–1880 See less