Antique Terracotta Jar, 1890s

Details

Description

This Portuguese olive oil jar has a generous, rounded belly that tapers decisively toward the base, topped by a tall … Read more This Portuguese olive oil jar has a generous, rounded belly that tapers decisively toward the base, topped by a tall neck and a wide, outward-rolled rim. The silhouette reads as honest utilitarian pottery—made for storing and built to last.

Dimensions: height 65 cm, diameter 53 cm.

The decoration is restrained yet distinctive. Two applied, wavy bands run around the shoulder, almost like a twisted rope border. Along the upper edge of the neck, a fine band of incised arch motifs adds a subtle rhythm and gives the jar an extra layer of character.

The surface shows a beautifully worn patina, with warm terracotta tones and darker areas. These deep discolorations and gentle sheen are typical of vessels that spent years in contact with olive oil: clear traces of storage and use remain visible. This is exactly what makes the piece so convincing as a decorative object.

Thanks to its strong, rounded form and richly textured surface, the jar works perfectly as a statement piece in a hallway or living space, and it also holds its own outdoors on a terrace or in the garden, where the terracotta will continue to respond beautifully to light and the seasons.

Condition: good, used condition with visible age- and use-related wear and traces from long-term olive oil storage; sturdy and stable. See less