19th-century extra-large walnut oil jar w/ ochre-brown glaze 19¼"

This magnificent, extra-large terracotta walnut oil jar dates from the nineteenth century and is beautifully decorated with classical vertical and S-pattern 'doigtier' ornamentation down the sides - a technique where the potter presses into the clay to make a chain-like pattern. There are three large handles and an extended or pushed-out pouring spout. The lovely timeworn ochre-brown glaze can be observed in detail in photos.   

Glaze color can often tell us from which region the walnut pot was made. Due to this piece's brownish color, we can speculate it is likely from the Dordogne region of France. This would be a lovely addition to a collection of classic antique French pottery or transformed into a table lamp. If being used as a vase, a watertight container needs to be put inside.