A large and exceptional early 19th century French terracotta walnut oil jug, probably from the Auvergne region, with a beautiful and vibrant green glaze, circa 1810s. Having a round shaped belly with three high arching looped handles and a pouring spout, this superb glazed earthenware jug has great sculptural form and artisan quality featuring pretty chain link designs and snake like strips made by the potter pressing into the clay with his fingertips and imprinting curves as he pleased. It's very rare to find one of these jugs, especially one with three handles, in such wonderful condition. A lovely decorative piece, this classic French walnut oil jug is highly collectible because of its colorful and hard-to-find green glaze and will be a fabulous addition to any collection, adding a delightful touch of French Country charm wherever it's placed.

During the 18th century, the main source of energy to light everything from castles to cathedrals and humble homes to lights on the streets, was walnut oil. It was used to fuel lamps, hence the importance of oil jug storage capacity. Provincial potters would compete against one another for technical talent, originality, and trademark in the production of these practical yet decorative utilitarian jugs that were an indispensable utensil in each household to store walnut oil for household lighting. From the mid-19th century, due to the import of lighting fuel and the discovery of tin, tin and zinc pitchers replaced the clay jugs, which fell into disuse. These obsolete jugs were rediscovered after the Second World War and have since become a part of France's cultural heritage and a testimony to a craft that has vanished.

Dimensions:

h - 16"

w - 13.5"

d - 6" bottom

mouth - 5.5"