Large Brown Oil Pitcher w/ 3 Handles, Dordogne

This large brown oil pitcher from the Dordogne region, dating to the late 19th century, is a fine example of traditional French culinary pottery. The pitcher features three sturdy handles and a distinctive design where the top half is glazed in a rich brown, while the bottom half is left unglazed. This unglazed portion serves a practical purpose, utilizing an ancient evaporation cooling method to keep the contents cool.

In traditional French culinary pottery, particularly in regions with warm climates like the Dordogne, the evaporation cooling method was widely used. This technique takes advantage of the porous nature of terracotta, a common material for such pottery. When the unglazed part of the vessel is filled with liquid, some of the moisture seeps through the terracotta and evaporates on the outer surface. This evaporation process absorbs heat from the surrounding environment, effectively cooling the remaining liquid inside the pitcher.

This method was especially useful for storing and serving liquids like water, oil, or wine in the days before refrigeration. The design of pitchers like this one, with an unglazed bottom half, was specifically intended to maximize this cooling effect, making them highly practical in everyday culinary use.

The combination of functionality and rustic beauty makes such pieces treasured by collectors and anyone who appreciates traditional French pottery. This large oil pitcher is not only a testament to the ingenuity of historical pottery techniques but also a striking addition to any collection or home décor.