A rare late-18th-century ceramic confit pot from Calabria, Southern Italy, decorated with a distinctive hand-painted Tree of Life motif in mustard yellow. Traditionally used to preserve foods such as anchovies, sardines, figs and olives in oil, this unique vessel is an evocative example of antique Southern Italian farmhouse pottery.
The simple, spontaneous Tree of Life decoration is particularly unusual in this yellow colourway, as similar motifs are more commonly found in green. Traditionally associated with longevity, good fortune and the hope of a plentiful harvest, the tree motif brings symbolic meaning to this rustic utilitarian vessel.
Its rounded form, understated decoration and naturally aged patina reflect the character of a ceramic pot used in everyday rural life. The surface has developed an individual appearance over time, giving the piece the depth and texture that make antique farmhouse pottery so distinctive.
The vasetto with handles vessel makes an impressive decorative statement. It can be displayed on its own or alongside other antique Italian ceramics, and used as a decorative vase for dried flowers or fresh stems with a separate watertight inner vessel.
Originally from Calabria, this piece was found in Ostuni, Puglia, the hilltop town in the Valle d’Itria known as La Città Bianca.
Details
Period: Late 18th century, late 1700s
Origin: Calabria, Southern Italy
Found: Ostuni, Puglia
Material: Ceramic / terracotta
Original use: Food preservation, including olives, anchovies, sardines and figs in oil
Decoration: Hand-painted Tree of Life motif
Colour: Mustard yellow and buttermilk cream
Form: Rounded confit pot with handles
Dimensions: H23 × W20 × D17 cm
Authentic antique condition, with natural surface variation, aged patina and signs of age and use. These characteristics contribute to the individual character of the piece. Please refer to the photographs for a closer view of its condition. Colour may vary slightly from screen to screen.
A rare late-18th-century ceramic confit pot from Calabria, Southern Italy, decorated with a distinctive hand-painted Tree of Life motif in mustard yellow. Traditionally used to preserve foods such as anchovies, sardines, figs and olives in oil, this unique vessel is an evocative example of antique Southern Italian farmhouse pottery.
The simple, spontaneous Tree of Life decoration is particularly unusual in this yellow colourway, as similar motifs are more commonly found in green. Traditionally associated with longevity, good fortune and the hope of a plentiful harvest, the tree motif brings symbolic meaning to this rustic utilitarian vessel.
Its rounded form, understated decoration and naturally aged patina reflect the character of a ceramic pot used in everyday rural life. The surface has developed an individual appearance over time, giving the piece the depth and texture that make antique farmhouse pottery so distinctive.
The vasetto with handles vessel makes an impressive decorative statement. It can be displayed on its own or alongside other antique Italian ceramics, and used as a decorative vase for dried flowers or fresh stems with a separate watertight inner vessel.
Originally from Calabria, this piece was found in Ostuni, Puglia, the hilltop town in the Valle d’Itria known as La Città Bianca.
Details
Period: Late 18th century, late 1700s
Origin: Calabria, Southern Italy
Found: Ostuni, Puglia
Material: Ceramic / terracotta
Original use: Food preservation, including olives, anchovies, sardines and figs in oil
Decoration: Hand-painted Tree of Life motif
Colour: Mustard yellow and buttermilk cream
Form: Rounded confit pot with handles
Dimensions: H23 × W20 × D17 cm
Authentic antique condition, with natural surface variation, aged patina and signs of age and use. These characteristics contribute to the individual character of the piece. Please refer to the photographs for a closer view of its condition. Colour may vary slightly from screen to screen.
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