Rare 19th Century Miniature French Conscience Jug w/ Ocher Glaze

This 19th-century miniature cruche de conscience was made in southwestern France. Vessels of this type were used by the Church after the olive harvest to collect oil donations intended for the poor. Clergy would travel from farm to farm with these jugs, receiving olive oil from local producers. In exchange, the priest would offer a blessing for the donor’s conscience. The practice was tied to annual harvest customs and rural charitable traditions. This example is distinguished by its very small scale. Most conscience jugs are considerably larger.

The form includes four looped handles through which rope was threaded to allow the jug to be transported on a donkey or carried by hand. The shape is practical and recognizable, with a short neck, wide base, and thick rim to prevent spilling. The glaze is ocher with some green and black runs across the surface. Areas of glaze loss and visible wear attest to age and use. The body shows fine craquelure and small chips typical of 19th-century rural pottery. Miniature conscience jugs are extremely uncommon. This piece combines regional function with ecclesiastical purpose and survives in unrestored condition.