Pair of 18th-Century Biot Jars w/ Green Glaze Drips - 34¼"

A remarkable and rare pair of 18th-century Biot jars, closely matched in scale and proportions, and both distinguished by beautiful green glaze drips running down their surfaces. Traditionally produced in the village of Biot near Antibes on the French Riviera, these monumental terracotta jars were originally used throughout Provence and beyond for storing and transporting olive oil, grains, and preserves. Hand-thrown in several sections before being assembled and fired, each jar bears the subtle irregularities and traces of craftsmanship that give Biot pottery its enduring sculptural quality.

Typical of early Biot jars, the large ovoid bodies remain unglazed, while the rims and interiors are coated in a soft glaze ranging in tone from pale yellow to celadon. During firing, green glaze drips from neighbouring vessels flowed down the exterior, creating spontaneous painterly markings that make each jar entirely unique. The surfaces have acquired a beautifully nuanced patina through centuries of use and outdoor exposure, with mineral deposits, weathering, darkened areas, and traces of moss creating layered tonal variation throughout.

Both jars retain expected age-related wear, including chips, abrasions, and old marks consistent with their long utilitarian history, all contributing to their authenticity and character. Still unpierced and true to their original storage function, they would need drainage holes added if intended for use as outdoor planters.

Finding a closely matched pair of Biot jars of this age and scale is especially unusual, and their symmetry gives them a striking architectural presence. Whether flanking an entrance gate, framing a doorway, or bringing balance to a stone terrace or garden, they create an immediate sense of permanence, elegance, and Mediterranean atmosphere.