Antique French Stoneware Vinegar Jar / Floor Vase, Poitou, C. 1900

Details

Description

A substantial 20-inch antique French stoneware vinegar jar, or vinaigrier, sourced from the Poitou region, hand-thrown in heavy stoneware and … Read more A substantial 20-inch antique French stoneware vinegar jar, or vinaigrier, sourced from the Poitou region, hand-thrown in heavy stoneware and dating to circa 1900–1920.

At 51.5 cm (20.28 in) tall, this unusually large utilitarian vessel now works beautifully as a decorative floor jar or oversized floor vase. It was acquired directly from a family in France and, according to the previous owner, had belonged to his grandmother and was traditionally used for storing vinegar. A small original opening near the lower body would have accommodated a tap or stopper, allowing the vinegar to be drawn from the vessel.

The jar has a beautifully sculptural ovoid form with two generous loop handles, a small raised neck, and pronounced horizontal throwing marks. Its naturally varied surface moves from warm terracotta and reddish brown to soft beige and grey tones, with irregular firing marks and subtle surface variations that give the piece exceptional depth and character.

Its generous scale gives the vessel a strong architectural presence, making it particularly effective as a floor jar displayed alone or styled with tall dried branches and grasses. Its restrained form and earthy palette are well suited to rustic, organic, wabi-sabi, Mediterranean, and understated contemporary interiors.

Origin: Poitou, France
Date: Late 19th / early 20th century, circa 1900–1920
Material: Stoneware / high-fired ceramic

Approx. dimensions
Height: 20.28 in (51.5 cm); Width: 13.19 in (33.5 cm); Depth: 12.80 in (32.5 cm)

Approx. weight
18.08 lb (8.2 kg)

Interior images are shown for visual context only. Decorative accessories not included. See less