Petite Early 20th-Century Handmade Sicilian Terracotta Confection Mold w/ Butterfly Motif - 3½"

A petite Sicilian terracotta mold for fruit pastes, early 20th century. Hand formed and glazed in a warm honey yellow, the round cavity carries a softly modeled butterfly in relief. The surface shows gentle irregularities from the potter’s hand, with scattered nicks. Such molds were used in Sicily to set quince or citrus jellies and seasonal sweets, each example made individually so no two are the same.

This charming petite piece lends a warm Mediterranean note to a kitchen island or tablescape. Use it as a small bowl for nuts or olives, or place one at each setting as a sauce or condiment dish alongside the plate. Its modest scale also makes it ideal as a catchall for rings or pills on a bedside table. Adding texture and an artisanal, sun-washed ease, it brings warmth and quiet whimsy wherever it is placed.