Timeless Authentic Ceramics Handpicked in Southern Italy

A rare late-18th-century antique Italian confit pot originating from Basilicata, in southern Italy. Traditionally used to preserve foods such as olives, artichokes and other vegetables in olive oil, this hand-crafted earthenware vessel is a beautiful example of rural Italian pottery, rich in history and rustic character.

The pot features a wonderfully rounded, bulbous body with twin loop handles and a classic ochre-yellow slip glaze applied around the upper rim, mouth and handles. The contrast between the warm, earthy terracotta and the softly aged glaze gives the piece a wonderfully organic appearance, while its timeworn surface reveals the patina of generations of everyday use.

The partial glazing was practical rather than purely decorative. The glazed rim and mouth provided a smoother, easier-to-clean surface for everyday use, while leaving the remainder of the pot unglazed helped keep production costs down at a time when glazing was an expensive process.

Today, this exceptionally characterful antique makes a beautiful decorative vessel or vase, bringing the understated charm of the southern Italian countryside into a contemporary interior. Style it with branches or seasonal foliage, or create an impactful display by pairing it with matching southern Italian pots, as seen in the images.

Details

• Period: Late 1700s

• Origin: Basilicata, southern Italy

• Material: Hand-crafted earthenware / terracotta

• Glaze: Ochre-yellow slip glaze

• Features: Rounded bulbous body, twin loop handles and partially glazed finish

• Original use: Food preservation

• Dimensions: H 25 × W 23 × D 20 cm

As with all Rivesto antique ceramics, this piece is perfectly imperfect. Having survived centuries of use, it may display cracks, chips, discolouration and other signs of age. These individual characteristics form part of its authentic character, charm and unique history. If using as a vase, we recommend placing a separate watertight vessel or glass vials inside. Please note that colours may vary slightly from screen to screen.

A beautiful mid-19th-century antique Italian confit pot from Grottaglie, Puglia, featuring a pistachio-green glaze and two side handles. Traditionally hand-thrown for domestic use, this rustic ceramic vessel was originally used to preserve foods such as olives, artichokes and anchovies in olive oil.

The pot has a wonderfully characterful half-glazed finish, with deep green glaze covering the upper section and areas of raw terracotta exposed towards the base. The glaze drips naturally down one side, while the beautifully aged surface reveals the patina of generations of use.

The partial glazing was practical rather than purely decorative. Glazed surfaces were easier to clean, while limiting the application of glaze helped reduce production costs at a time when glazing was an expensive process.

Found in Lecce, the baroque jewel of the Salento, this one-of-a-kind example of traditional Puglian pottery brings the rustic charm and timeless character of Southern Italy into a contemporary interior. Today, it works beautifully as a decorative object or as a vase for flowers, adding warmth, texture and an authentic Mediterranean feel to any space.

Details

• Period: Mid-1800s

• Origin: Grottaglie, Puglia, Italy

• Found in: Lecce, Puglia, Italy

• Material: Hand-thrown terracotta / ceramic

• Glaze: Pistachio green

• Features: Two side handles and partial glaze

• Original use: Food preservation

• Dimensions: H 32 × W 28 × D 28 cm

Authentic antique condition with natural surface variations, signs of age and use, and areas of glaze wear and exposed terracotta consistent with the character of traditional ceramics. These imperfections contribute to the individuality and rustic charm of the piece. Colour may vary slightly from screen to screen. For displaying fresh flowers, we recommend using a separate watertight inner vessel or glass vials.