Era: Early–Mid 20th Century
Origin: Spain, attributed
Material: Black-Fired Earthenware
Dimensions: 8” H × 7” W
DESCRIPTION
Black pottery is something we come across far less often, which made finding this beautifully timeworn vessel in France especially exciting.
Attributed to Spain, this traditional botijo was originally created as a practical vessel for storing and drinking water. Its wonderfully sculptural form — a rounded body, opposing openings, and generous loop handle — is made even more striking by its unusual dark surface.
Layers of softened black, smoky charcoal, grey, and warm earthy tones move irregularly across the pottery, creating a depth and patina that could never be replicated by something new. Traditionally, black-fired pottery achieved its distinctive coloring through the firing process, where a reduction of oxygen within the kiln darkened the clay and created the wonderfully nuanced surface for which these pieces are known.
Once an everyday object made for a simple purpose, today its silhouette feels almost like a piece of sculpture.
We love it displayed on its own where its form can be appreciated from every angle, or layered among old books, collected pottery, and other timeworn objects. Its deep charcoal coloring makes it especially beautiful against lighter, more natural surroundings.
Sourced in France for The Collected Past, it is exactly the kind of piece we are always hoping to find — unusual, beautifully imperfect, and made extraordinary by time.
THE DETAILS
+Origin: Early–Mid 20th Century
+Collection: Le Décor
+Material: Black-Fired Earthenware
+Dimensions: 8” H × 7” W
CONDITION
Beautiful vintage condition with wear consistent with age and use. The earthenware surface displays variations in color, firing marks, rubbing, surface wear, and areas of softened patina throughout.
The mottled black, charcoal, grey, and earthy coloration is part of the character of the black-fired pottery and contributes beautifully to the individuality of the piece.
As with all of our antique and vintage pieces, signs of age and use are part of its history and are not considered flaws. Please review all photographs closely, as they are considered part of the condition description.
Era: Early–Mid 20th Century
Origin: Spain, attributed
Material: Black-Fired Earthenware
Dimensions: 8” H × 7” W
DESCRIPTION
Black pottery is something we come across far less often, which made finding this beautifully timeworn vessel in France especially exciting.
Attributed to Spain, this traditional botijo was originally created as a practical vessel for storing and drinking water. Its wonderfully sculptural form — a rounded body, opposing openings, and generous loop handle — is made even more striking by its unusual dark surface.
Layers of softened black, smoky charcoal, grey, and warm earthy tones move irregularly across the pottery, creating a depth and patina that could never be replicated by something new. Traditionally, black-fired pottery achieved its distinctive coloring through the firing process, where a reduction of oxygen within the kiln darkened the clay and created the wonderfully nuanced surface for which these pieces are known.
Once an everyday object made for a simple purpose, today its silhouette feels almost like a piece of sculpture.
We love it displayed on its own where its form can be appreciated from every angle, or layered among old books, collected pottery, and other timeworn objects. Its deep charcoal coloring makes it especially beautiful against lighter, more natural surroundings.
Sourced in France for The Collected Past, it is exactly the kind of piece we are always hoping to find — unusual, beautifully imperfect, and made extraordinary by time.
THE DETAILS
+Origin: Early–Mid 20th Century
+Collection: Le Décor
+Material: Black-Fired Earthenware
+Dimensions: 8” H × 7” W
CONDITION
Beautiful vintage condition with wear consistent with age and use. The earthenware surface displays variations in color, firing marks, rubbing, surface wear, and areas of softened patina throughout.
The mottled black, charcoal, grey, and earthy coloration is part of the character of the black-fired pottery and contributes beautifully to the individuality of the piece.
As with all of our antique and vintage pieces, signs of age and use are part of its history and are not considered flaws. Please review all photographs closely, as they are considered part of the condition description.
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