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 and is quite large and has been hand-painted black 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 and minor indentations, commensurate with age and use. The painted elements were added more recently, with some minor rubs.