A rare early-19th-century Puglian vasetto, or traditional confit pot, distinguished by its unusually large size, sculptural rounded form and four practical side handles. Traditionally used to preserve prized family foods such as olives, artichokes and other vegetables in olive oil or brine, this substantial vessel is a wonderful example of Southern Italian farmhouse pottery.
The pot is fully glazed internally and partially glazed externally in a soft creamy white, leaving the lower section in its original raw terracotta. This half-glazed finish was both practical and economical: the interior could be kept hygienic and easily cleaned, while glazing the entire exterior would have required additional material and labour.
Its four handles made the substantial vessel easier to lift and manoeuvre, while the generous rounded body gives it an impressive sculptural presence. Decades of use and exposure have created an authentic aged patina across the ceramic, with natural variations that reveal the history of the piece.
Today, this exceptional antique works beautifully as a large decorative vessel or statement planter. It can also be used as a vase with a separate watertight insert or glass vials for fresh stems.
Details
Period: Early 1800s
Origin: Northern Puglia, Southern Italy
Found: Martina Franca, Puglia
Material: Hand-thrown terracotta / ceramic
Traditional name: Vasetto
Original use: Food preservation in olive oil or brine
Finish: Creamy white half glaze with exposed raw terracotta
Features: Four handles and fully glazed interior
Form: Large, rounded sculptural body
Dimensions: H35 × W30 × D30 cm
This antique vasetto has an authentic aged appearance, with natural patina, surface variation and signs of previous use consistent with its age and history. Minor marks, glaze variation and areas of wear are part of the character of this individual piece. Please note that colour may vary slightly from screen to screen.
A rare early-19th-century Puglian vasetto, or traditional confit pot, distinguished by its unusually large size, sculptural rounded form and four practical side handles. Traditionally used to preserve prized family foods such as olives, artichokes and other vegetables in olive oil or brine, this substantial vessel is a wonderful example of Southern Italian farmhouse pottery.
The pot is fully glazed internally and partially glazed externally in a soft creamy white, leaving the lower section in its original raw terracotta. This half-glazed finish was both practical and economical: the interior could be kept hygienic and easily cleaned, while glazing the entire exterior would have required additional material and labour.
Its four handles made the substantial vessel easier to lift and manoeuvre, while the generous rounded body gives it an impressive sculptural presence. Decades of use and exposure have created an authentic aged patina across the ceramic, with natural variations that reveal the history of the piece.
Today, this exceptional antique works beautifully as a large decorative vessel or statement planter. It can also be used as a vase with a separate watertight insert or glass vials for fresh stems.
Details
Period: Early 1800s
Origin: Northern Puglia, Southern Italy
Found: Martina Franca, Puglia
Material: Hand-thrown terracotta / ceramic
Traditional name: Vasetto
Original use: Food preservation in olive oil or brine
Finish: Creamy white half glaze with exposed raw terracotta
Features: Four handles and fully glazed interior
Form: Large, rounded sculptural body
Dimensions: H35 × W30 × D30 cm
This antique vasetto has an authentic aged appearance, with natural patina, surface variation and signs of previous use consistent with its age and history. Minor marks, glaze variation and areas of wear are part of the character of this individual piece. Please note that colour may vary slightly from screen to screen.
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