Antique French Butter Keeper w/ Blue Floral Decoration - 5½"

This charming two-part ceramic butter keeper, known in France as a beurrier à eau or beurrier breton, likely dates from the early to mid-20th century. Its pleasingly substantial form is finished in a warm cream glaze with a fine network of natural crazing that gives the surface wonderful depth and age. Delicate cobalt-blue floral sprigs decorate both sections, their slightly irregular placement suggesting that the transfers were applied individually by hand. Although unmarked, the restrained blue-and-cream decoration and sturdy form are very much in the spirit of traditional Saint-Uze kitchen pottery. It remains in very good vintage condition, with the crackled glaze forming an especially attractive patina. 

The ingenious two-part design predates refrigeration and was intended to keep butter fresh and spreadable at room temperature. Butter was packed into the inner cup, which was then inverted into the larger crock containing a small amount of cool water; together, the two sections helped protect the butter from air while keeping it naturally cool.

This charming piece would bring an authentic note of French country life to a breakfast table or kitchen shelf, particularly among blue-and-white ceramics, linen and old wooden kitchenware.