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 (via the leather straps seen in the photos) and place the harvested grapes directly into the container. This particular hotte is from circa 1900 but has been hand-painted green more recently with a coat of arms flanked by the phrase “Chateauneuf-du-Pape” (in gold 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). Our decorative grape hotte would make a wonderful accessory in a wine room or kitchen.

CONDITION: Good antique condition, with some oxidation to the interior, commensurate with age and use. The painted elements were added more recently, with some minor rubs.