Large Rustic Glazed Terracotta Water Jug - 13½"

A substantial French glazed terracotta water jar with three handles, originating from southern France and dating to the late 19th to early 20th century. The ovoid body is hand-thrown, with a short collared neck and a wide, open mouth. Two opposed loop handles rise gracefully from the shoulder, balanced by a third handle opposite a short tubular pouring spout set high on the body. The richly glazed surface displays warm chestnut and russet tones, deepening to olive and smoke-grey firing shadows toward the base. Timeworn and weathered, the surface shows an irregular form with areas of glaze loss, scattered accretions, small rim chips, and visible hairlines, all contributing to its distinctly rustic and authentic character.

These vernacular jugs were produced across the South of France for carrying and cooling water at home and in the fields. The triple-handle arrangement allowed steady lifting and passing, while the narrow spout controlled the pour. Variations in clay, glaze tone, and firing flecks speak to small rural ateliers active through the 19th and early 20th centuries, from Languedoc and Provence to the southwest.

Its sculptural silhouette and honest patina make a strong accent in a kitchen, garden room, or entry. Style it on a console or farmhouse table as a standalone object, or use it as a vessel for dried branches, olive cuttings, or tall grasses with a liner if desired. It pairs well with limewashed walls, stone, and wood, bringing an authentic Mediterranean rustic note to both farmhouse and modern settings.