Antique French Confit Pots - Ochre Glaze
Full of character and wonderful variations in colour and patina, these antique French confit pots are beautiful examples of traditional French country pottery.
Originally made as practical storage vessels in rural France, confit pots were traditionally used for preserving meats such as duck and goose in their own fat. The lower, unglazed section of the pot was buried in the cool earth, while the glazed upper section remained above ground. This helped keep the contents cool and preserved, while the glazed surface made the exposed part of the pot easier to keep clean.
This traditional method of storage gives confit pots their wonderfully distinctive appearance. The line where the rich ochre glaze meets the rough, unglazed earthenware is not simply decorative, it is a visible reminder of how these pots were originally used.
Each of our confit pots is completely individual. The colour of the glaze ranges from rich golden ochre to softer mustard tones, with differences in shape, handles, surface texture and firing. Chips, losses, crazing and areas of worn glaze are all part of their history and give every pot its own character.
We particularly love them grouped together, where the subtle differences in height, shape and glaze create a wonderfully relaxed, collected look.
Equally, a single pot makes a striking decorative piece on a console, kitchen table or open shelving.
These are genuine antique pieces rather than modern reproductions and are sold individually.
Please select your preferred pot from the available options. Sold individually £225 each
Dimensions;
Confit Pot 'A' - 32.5 cm high
Confit Pot 'B' - 31.5 cm high
Confit Pot 'C' - 34.5 cm high
Confit Pot 'D' - 26.0 cm high
Confit Pot 'E' - 32.0 cm high
Confit Pot 'F' - 26.5 cm high
Confit Pot 'G' - 30.5 cm high
Confit Pot 'H' - 23.0 cm high
Condition
These are antique utilitarian pots and consequently show considerable evidence of their age and original use. Variations may include chips, glaze losses, crazing, surface marks, firing imperfections and old repairs.
We consider these characteristics an important part of their authenticity and decorative appeal. Please refer carefully to the individual photographs when choosing your pot.
These antique vessels are sold as decorative objects and we do not recommend them for food use or as watertight vases.
Why We Love Them
It is the imperfections that make old French confit pots so appealing. No two have quite the same colour, proportions or surface, and the combination of mellow ochre glaze and time-worn terracotta gives them a warmth that is very difficult to reproduce.
They are particularly effective in groups, but each has enough character to stand beautifully on its own.
Styling Tip
Display a confit pot on an old wooden table, console or open kitchen shelf and let its texture and colour do the work. For greater impact, group two or three different shapes and heights together.
They also look wonderful filled with dried branches or foliage, although we recommend placing a watertight container inside the pot rather than filling an antique confit pot directly with water.