Wine hottes were used during the 19th and early 20th centuries for collecting grapes at French vineyards. The vineyard employee would attach the hotte to his/her back (see the last detail photo for an example) and place the harvested grapes directly into the container. This particular hotte is from circa 1900 but has been hand-painted red more recently with a coat of arms between the phrase “Chateauneuf-du-Pape” (in black letters). The coat of arms depicts two crossed keys entwined in a curled ribbon that emanates from the base of a closed crown. The ovate crown has been adorned with gold beading and fleur de lys and is topped with a cross pattee (cross with narrowing arms and flat sides). Interestingly, this hotte was constructed with wood panels on the back (as seen in some photos), possibly to help the hotte keep its form. Our decorative grape hotte would make a wonderful accessory in a wine room or kitchen.

CONDITION: Good antique condition. Indentations commensurate to age and use. Some inconsistencies and very light rubs to the paint, which has been added more recently. Interior buildup. The leather backstraps are no longer present and there is a missing section of wood, which does not affect the integrity.