French Provincial 18th Century Terracotta Olive Oil Biot Jar with Glaze

A grand scale French provincial terracotta Biot Jar produced in the Biot region of southern France. With its original yellow glazed rim and traces of ochre colored glaze dripping throughout, creating a beautiful and unique abstract design. These pieces were often stamped by either the potter or the recipient’s personal name for their yearly delivery. This piece has a wonderful sculptural presence; infused with a singular and iconic French provincial design, which would make for a stunning garden or living room addition to any interior style.
This pot is stamped, 'Le Delestalle Fils Et Bataille Abriche' Biot,
France, eighteenth century
Size: 29 1/2" high x 20" at its widest

Biot jars have a rich historic significance; with potters working from one generation to the next. During the period from 1550 to the late 19th century 510 potters have been identified. The pots are hand thrown in terracotta - with a glazed rim and interior. They were buried in the ground up to the neck, and when the ground insects tried to access the rim of the jar, which was covered in wood or slate, they would slip down on the glazed enamel. Biot Jars were the first olive oil jars to be shipped throughout the Mediterranean and sold to eager buyers, who had not yet cultivated olive trees. The French made olive oil before the Italians; the Italians were their best customers. The ships sailed from Antibes under the protection of the Knights of Malta and sailed as far away as the Caribbean until every jar was sold. An olive shaped jar will identify authentic Biot Jars that would have been made before the 1800's and stamped by either the potter or the recipient’s personal name for their yearly delivery.