Large French Mustard-Glazed Confit Pot w/ Flowing Glaze Runs - 11¾"

A handsome French confit pot from Southwest France, dating from the late 19th to early 20th century. The generous ovoid form is crowned by a rolled rim and flanked by twin loop handles, while the subtly uneven profile and slight asymmetry speak to its handmade origins. A warm mustard-yellow glaze covers the upper portion of the vessel, its surface enlivened by fine craquelure, kiln freckles, and attractive glaze runs descending onto the pale earthenware body below. Areas of glaze wear reveal the clay beneath, while glaze pooling around the rim and handles creates appealing variations in texture and tone. Small chips and losses acquired through years of use enhance the pot's authentic rustic character and beautifully weathered appearance.

Originally used for preserving duck and goose confit beneath a seal of fat, pots of this type were glazed only on the upper portion, while the lower section remained porous and could be partially buried in cool earth before refrigeration became widely available. The flowing glaze runs, subtle irregularities typical of hand-crafted vessels, and beautifully timeworn patina give each pot its own distinct personality.