Part of our huge collection of large, colorful clay vessels, known as confit pots. Derived from the French word confire (meaning “to preserve”), confit pots were used to store cooked game in their own fat before the advent of refrigeration. The earthenware section was typically wrapped in cloth and buried in the ground, with only the glazed area visible. Pots came in various sizes and colors, but the classic color is mustard yellow, although the yellow of this particular pot is darker than usual, with some character-adding honey brown glaze drippings (see main photo and some of the detail photos).

The Dutch painter, Vincent Van Gogh, depicted confit pots in his famous series of paintings, Tournesols (Sunflowers).

CONDITION: Very good antique condition with wear consistent to age and use. Minor losses and chips to glaze. Build up to interior, commensurate with being buried in the dirt. Some inconsistencies to the glaze, which was hand-applied.