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 this particular pot has a character-adding dollop of green glaze that is sometimes used on confit pots (see detailed photos). A single hole has been added to the bottom more recently, indicating that this pot might have been used as a flowered vase (see last two detailed 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.