Antique confit pot w/ iridescent yellow glaze - Castelnaudary, France 9½"

This delightful antique demi glaze yellow confit pot from Castelnaudary, France. This charming pot features iridescent yellow glaze drips and character from age. Note the two glazed handles and pretty tapered base that is unglazed. Confit pots were half-glazed for two reasons. Firstly to stop rodents being able to grip onto the surface of the pot and help themselves to the contents. Secondly, they were glazed inside and the top half of the outside to keep the pot cool through evaporation.

Pots were often buried in the ground of the cellar to preserve the contents - usually meat that was sealed with a layer of fat. Terracotta was the ideal material to use as it absorbs moisture and has a cooling quality allowing the cool earth to reach the meat inside. Today, these charming pieces are a lovely way to add a touch of Provence to your space or to enhance an existing collection of French pottery. If using for flowers, be sure to place a container inside the pot first as there may be some condensation. Note minor chips and pitting to timeworn glaze around top and as seen in photos.