A French cruche, or water jug, from the southwest of France, its upper half glazed in bright yellow over warm terracotta. A tall loop handle arches over the wide mouth for carrying, and a second handle curves from the shoulder opposite a short spout. Jugs like this were carried out to the fields to keep workers supplied with water. Water poured from the spout, and the unglazed lower body let a little moisture escape to keep it cool. The glaze has a fine crazing, and a pale band of slip marks where it meets the clay. It is lovely on a kitchen counter, a console, or a windowsill, holding a few stems or simply on its own.
- Origin: Southwest France
- Age: 19th century
- Material: Terracotta with yellow lead glaze
- Details: Arched carrying handle, side handle, short spout, wide mouth, glazed upper body, unglazed foot
- Dimensions: 8.25"W (handle to spout) × 10"H
- Condition: Good antique condition with crazing to the glaze. The carrying handle has an old repair, as pictured. There are glaze losses and chips to the rim and spout tip, plus a kiln flaw and small glaze losses on the shoulder showing the clay beneath. Surface wear and mineral deposits on the unglazed body are consistent with age and use.
