Antique French Provençal Tian w/ Ochre Glaze 18½"

Antique French tian bowls were a stable utensil in French kitchens, traditionally employed for everything from mixing ingredients to slow-cooking regional dishes like vegetable gratins, stews, and roasted meats. This particular tian bowl dates to the mid or late 19th century and exemplifies traditional Provençal craftsmanship with its hand-thrown construction and ochre glaze on the interior. The glaze was applied for practical reasons, as it helped protect the pottery from wear and made it easier to clean. The exterior is largely unglazed, revealing the natural terracotta, except for the addition of ochre splashes of glaze.

Over time, this tian bowl has developed a beautiful patina, with visible signs of wear, such as minor chips and glaze loss, typical for a utilitarian piece of its age. These imperfections lend it an authentic rustic charm and speak to its history in a French farmhouse kitchen. Today, antique tians are prized for their decorative appeal and historical significance, often repurposed as serving dishes, fruit bowls, or statement pieces in both traditional and modern interiors.