Antique Provençal Hand-Shaped Ceramic Strainer w/ Rustic Patina - 13"

This old Provençal glazed earthenware strainer likely dates from the late 19th or early 20th century. Its broad, shallow bowl has a wonderfully irregular, hand-shaped profile, with an uneven rim, gently wavering sides and a short tubular handle that retains the marks of its making. Numerous drainage holes were pierced individually through the body, further emphasizing its handmade, utilitarian character. The warm cream-yellow glaze has mellowed beautifully with age, with crazing, old chips and fine cracks throughout. Rather than detracting from the piece, these imperfections reinforce its rustic country character and speak to a long life of practical use.

Made as an everyday kitchen utensil for rinsing and draining food, this humble object has become especially appealing for the honesty of its construction and richly worn surface. Its irregular silhouette and softly aged glaze would bring genuine Provençal country texture to a kitchen, particularly on an island or open shelf Its irregular silhouette and softly aged glaze would bring genuine Provençal country texture to a kitchen, particularly on an island or open shelf filled with a few limes, apricots or other brightly colored fruit.