18th C. Large Glazed Terracotta Walnut Oil Jug With Two Side Handles

A large and very handsome glazed terracotta walnut oil jug, dating from the 18th century and originating from the south of France. Featuring two side handles and a single pouring spout, this beautiful vessel is covered with a gorgeous earthy-coloured glaze with distressed appearance and green undertones, and its maker has further embellished its design with vertical raised bands around its gently rounded body, deep grooves on its handles and a lightly pinched border to its rim. Originally conceived for the storage and preservation of nut oils in a provincial kitchen, it may also have been used to store and serve cool drinking water. This handsome vessel has aged beautifully over the centuries – its chips, scuffs and indentations telling the fascinating story of its long and valued life in a French country home.