Late 19th Century Provence Green Glazed Terracotta Colander

Glowing in shades of green that shift from olive to apple, this late 19th-century terracotta colander combines rustic utility with quiet charm. Wheel-thrown with a rounded bowl and opposed loop handles, its base is pierced with square openings arranged in concentric rings, while the rim shows subtle turned banding. The glaze pools lightly in places, speckled with kiln marks, and scattered losses reveal the warm clay beneath. Small nicks along the rim and handles speak to long use, and as the vessel was made without feet it does not stand straight, suggesting it was traditionally hung for storage.

Made for everyday kitchens across southern France, these colanders were used to rinse garden produce and drain cheeses. The copper-green glaze, favored in the 19th century for its bright tone and easy-to-clean surface, gave practical vessels a touch of color. Produced in small workshops, they bear the irregularities of handmade work that add to their rustic charm. Today this piece brings rustic authenticity and a pop of color to a kitchen or dining space, whether displayed on open shelves or hung on the wall.