Petite 19th-century Biot Jar 16½" w/ Maker's Mark

This charming 19th-century terracotta olive jar hails from Biot, a village in the Alpes-Maritimes renowned for its traditional Provençal pottery. Hand-thrown by a potter named A.M. Pellegrin, as indicated by the impressed maker’s stamp, this vessel exemplifies the region’s heritage of utilitarian craftsmanship. Its rotund, pear-shaped silhouette and wide lip are typical of jars historically used to store and transport olives and olive oil along the Mediterranean coast. A soft, buttery yellow glaze envelops the upper neck and interior, originally intended to seal the vessel and protect its contents from pests and evaporation. The unglazed body has developed a richly textured patina, bearing subtle imperfections and minor losses that speak to its age and use. A drainage hole at the base hints at its adaptability for garden use, though it remains equally compelling as a sculptural accent indoors. Prized today for their rustic elegance and storied past, Biot jars like this are a hallmark of Mediterranean design and Provençal charm.