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 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.
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