Collection of 19th Century French Provencal Biot Oil Jars

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Collection of 19th Century French Provencal Biot Oil Jars

About the Item

The origin of these olive jars is Biot, a small village from the South of France. Although its roots date back some 2,500 years, Biot was already known as a Potters’ Village during Roman times. Written mention of Biot (derived from Buzoto or Bisoto) has been found in a number of manuscripts, belonging to the then Bishop of Antibes and dating back to the 12th century. Towards the end of the 19th century, clay pots used for transporting food, especially for olives to the marketplace slowed down. It was not until the middle of the 20th century that Biot resumed its expansion, with the development of glassworks and decorative pottery. Classified as “City and Trade of Art”, it is now renowned worldwide for its glass-blowing tradition, its international glass museum, the production of momumental earthenware jars and Olive Jars.

These large earthenware jars were made to store and transport olive oil and other local products. The first "Jarres de Biot", were made on the Brague plaine near Antibes, and later at Biot, following the return of the Crusaders. In the 18th century, there were over 30 places around Biot still making the jars. The jars are made by mixing the grey clay (terre grise) from Vaugrenier and the red clay (terre rouge) from Clausonnes. The jars are made by hand, without mold or wheel. First the round bottom is layed out. Then circled ropes of clay are stacked on top, sized to give the form of the jarre. When the form is complete, the clay is smoothed by hand, inside and out, and the jar is dried before going into the kiln at about 1000 °C. The final step is the varnish. The patina and or color of the Olive Jars are distinctive and the forms are unique from this region.

These antique pots are exceptional accents both indoors and out.

The 3 jars pictured measure 23 3/4", 20 1/2", and 29" respectively. Prices are $1,895, $1,895, and $2,350.
Please see our extensive collection of 18th and 19th century Biot jars at www.alhambraantiques.com

Place of Origin:
France
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1850
Condition:
Consistent with age. Stains and marks, chipped enamel.
Seller Location:
Coral Gables, FL
Reference Number:
Seller: 131641stDibs: U080401843573