Late 19th-century French jaspe-glazed earthenware pitcher 6¾"

This late 19th-century pitcher from Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie features a rich maroon ocher base with a pale yellow jaspe glaze, a classic decorative technique in traditional French pottery. The jaspe effect is achieved by trailing or splattering a contrasting slip onto the surface before glazing, creating an organic, painterly pattern. The interior is coated with a pale yellow glaze for a smooth, watertight finish. Designed for holding and pouring water, the piece includes a perpendicular beak-like spout, a functional detail that helps control the flow of liquid.

Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie, located in the Gard department of southern France, has been a center of pottery production for centuries, with documented ceramic activity dating back to the Middle Ages. Its name reflects this long-standing tradition, as the village was historically known for supplying earthenware vessels to nearby Uzès and beyond. The region’s rich clay deposits and established artisanal savoir-faire have sustained its pottery industry over generations, and to this day, the village remains a lively hub for ceramic artisans and workshops. This pitcher exemplifies the local rustic aesthetic, blending utility with artistic craftsmanship. Its timeworn condition, with small areas of glaze loss and natural wear, attests to its history of daily use.