Large Antique Greek Terra Cotta Oil Pot with Partial Ochre Glaze, 19th Century

A small pithos (a Greek storage container), this terra cotta jar has well-balanced proportions, with a thin protruding ring just above the widest part of the body. The opening has a lightly rolled rim, adding to the rounded form of the jar. It has a wonderful chalky white finish, with some commensurate losses revealing traces of the original orange hue of the terra cotta, along with areas containing a cream and brown patina. The variegated color enhances the character of this small jar that was once used to store oil or grains. Dating to the early 1900s, our Greek terra cotta...

This stunning lidded urn might have once been found in a 19th century Italian apothecary. The front of the shaped urn body has the hand-painted phrase “C. Violaru”, which is the heavily abbreviated form of the Latin word for violet (violaceum). Up until the mid-1700’s, apothecaries would make syrups from violets and use it to treat kidney ailments. Above the Latin wording is a whimsical musical scene with a man blowing a horn leading a couple who is holding hands over rocky terrain lined with shrubbery. A large house and trees can be seen behind the trio with a pair of mountains in the distance. On the opposite side of the urn is a floral display with a bird perched on a rock. Beneath the bird is a geometric design, possibly a stylized sun with radiating beams of light. Both scenes are segmented by a pair of thin quarter round moldings that encircle the entire vase. Other hand-painted motifs include floral and foliate margents, geometric patterns, and Vitruvian waves that are infilled with horizontal fluting. The sides of the urn have a fish-scale background beneath two mustachioed mascarons. Both men have been styled in grotesque fashion, with a pair of spiraled horns emanating from their heads. In between the horns is a looping handle that is affixed to the body in similar tight spirals. The domed lid has three scrolled arms that merge in a geometric finial. The base color of the urn is white, with illustrations in a monochromatic cobalt oxide blue, reminiscent of Delft blue pottery...

A monumental terra cotta swan from Italy. The piece is a wonderful addition to the garden or lanai. Made of dense material and able to withstand the elements. Works well as a centerpiece as well. The 15"x15"x8deep vessel on top easily holds flower, plants or floating flowers - could also work to hold magazines or craft supplies...

1960s Italian glazed terracotta elephant garden table stool.