Antique French Green-Glazed Pot w/ Fitted Lid and Handwritten Markings - 6¼"

This rare little antique French earthenware pot is a particularly curious and charming piece, with a graceful urn-shaped body resting on a small circular foot. Its fitted lid is topped with a tall, slender finial and has a notch that must be aligned before the lid can be removed. This intriguing detail, together with the handwritten numbers on both the lid and body, raises questions about its original purpose. Perhaps it was used to store ointments, medicinal preparations or small quantities of precious spices, although its exact function remains unknown. The glossy green glaze has lovely variations in tone, from soft apple green to deeper olive shades, with warm ocher patches where the underlying clay shows through. There are some losses to the glaze and light wear consistent with age.

The unusual shape, beautiful green color and mysterious inscriptions make this a lovely little object to collect. It would look charming on a bathroom shelf or dressing table, perhaps holding small pieces of jewelry, or displayed among a collection of old French pottery.