Large Antique Terracotta Jar, 1890s

Details

Description

This large Portuguese olive oil jar is the kind of utilitarian pottery whose simplicity is exactly what makes it so … Read more This large Portuguese olive oil jar is the kind of utilitarian pottery whose simplicity is exactly what makes it so striking.

Dimensions: height 70 cm, diameter 55 cm.

Its warm terracotta tone, calm proportions, and the surface—richly marked by years of olive oil storage—have developed a deep, lively patina that gives the piece real character.

The form tapers clearly towards the base. This was not only an aesthetic choice but also a practical one: the narrowing profile helped protect the contents during cold weather and temperature changes, reducing the risk of freezing. Around the shoulder and neck are subtle circular relief motifs that add rhythm without disturbing the jar’s understated look. The broad, rolled rim at the top further emphasises its hand-crafted, traditional quality.

Thanks to its size, the jar works as a true statement piece, both outdoors in a garden setting and indoors as an interior accent. Place it on its own as a sculptural element in a hallway or living space, or combine it with wood, linen, basketry and other earthenware for an effortless Mediterranean feel.

Condition: good, used condition. Clear residues and discolouration from long-term olive oil storage are visible on the inside and outside; solid and stable. See less