Early 20th Century French Earthenware Jug with Marbled Glaze

An early 20th century Savoyard pottery jug from Chanteduc, Patricia Wells’s apartment in Paris. Thrown in earthenware and finished with a marbled glaze known as jaspé, its swirls of moss green, ochre and tobacco brown pool softly across a rounded belly. A pinched spout and compact loop handle feel natural in the hand, while slip-trailed lettering carries the proverb “In love as in stew, each to their own taste.” The glaze shows a mellow gloss, and the gently timeworn rim chips add to its rustic charm and speak to regional craft and everyday French cooking. Patricia explains that this little jug was perfect for sauces and gravy, the narrow, pinched lip giving a clean pour at the stove or the table. Modestly scaled yet generous in shape, it is easy to lift in one hand and set among platters on a long table. True to Patricia’s sensibility of intelligent simplicity, exact observation and generous hospitality, it is both useful and companionable. Display it on open kitchen shelving beside wooden boards, or put it to work for pan sauces, vinaigrette or a small bouquet of garden herbs. A characterful piece from Patricia’s personal collection that brings French regional pottery and the spirit of Paris and Provence to daily cooking and entertaining.