Antique pottery

Our collection of antique pottery is constantly changing and some of the items shown on this site or in our brochures may already have been sold. Please feel free to contact us.

An exceptional choice of antique pottery

In the 18ᵗʰ Century, from the majestic cathedral and the humble home to the lighting on the street, the main source of energy was walnut oil. It was used to fuel lamps, hence the importance of oil jug storage capacity. Their manufacture was subject to one-upmanship between potters who competed for technical talent, originality and trademark in the production of practical yet decorative earthenware.

Today, oil jugs are part of our cultural heritage and are testimony to a craft that has completely died out.

From the mid 19ᵗʰ Century, due to the import of lighting fuel and the discovery of tin, tin and zinc pitchers replaced the clay jug, which fell into disuse. The jugs became obsolete but were rediscovered only after the Second World War. Since then they have been considered antiques.
In addition to oil jugs, Aux Rois Louis Gallery displays a selection of beautiful kitchen utensils in earthenware from the 18ᵗʰ and 19ᵗʰ Century.

Water jugs, colanders, vinegar, pitchers, water bottles and kegs evoke a lifestyle and know-how of the best potters of Quercy, Auvergne and Périgord.

Below you can see a few samples of our vast collection of old pottery. Please do not hesitate to consult us.

Two walnut oil jugs, fuel used in the 18th century for lighting. The mélard on the left is in raw white clay on which concretions come from the interior. The mélard on the left benefited from a water-green glaze which made it waterproof. Its two handles allow it to be hung on a rope to be able to lean it and thus facilitate the flow of oil.

Mélard in White Clay and Suspended Mélard – 18th century – Cantal – [PA073] [PA074]

If one has a prehistoric look with these brown concretions that seem to emerge from the depths of time, the other wears, like armor, a beautiful green glaze that has pushed back all porosity. Both fulfilled in the farms of Cantal, the noble mission of saving the precious walnut oil, the only source of lighting in the 18th century. They are called mélards.

Terracotta ham pot – 19th century – Charente – [PA067]

Terracotta Jambonnière – 19th century – Charente – [PA067]

THE FLOWER BOX FOR FLOWERS THE KITCHEN STOVE FOR FOOD THE JAMBONNIERE FOR… HAMS! Let’s rediscover a made-to-measure utensil born of peasant common sense and the talent of the potters of Sainte-Eutrope. To make a success of your homemade raw ham, it’s both simple and precise. First of all, it is advisable to choose a…

Three terracotta melards – orange, green and yellow – 19th century – Puy-de-Dôme – [PA064 PA065 PA066]

PUY-DE-DÔME: LAND OF POTTERY AND VOLCANOES SINCE THE NIGHT OF TIMES It is on the ground of a thousand-year-old tradition that these three beautiful melards of varying proportions and colors were created. It should indeed be remembered that in the center of Auvergne, at the beginning of the Christian era, the black earths of the…

Two oil jugs – late 18th century early 19th century – Lot Valley, Quercy – [PA062] [PA063]

Two oil jugs – late 18th century early 19th century – Lot Valley, Quercy We recognize in the roundness of these jugs an exuberant and sensual inspiration specific to the ancient Quercy potters’ centers. Several clues seem to indicate that these two jugs come from the same workshop and probably from the same hand. The…

Two water jugs – 19th century – Lot Valley – [PA058] [PA059]

Two water jugs – 19th century – Lot Valley Also called head jugs, because they were carried on the head by women who went to fetch water, these two water jugs were turned in the Lot Valley in the 19th century. Imagine women fetching water from the village well or fountain, to meet all the…

Two water jugs – 19th century – Les Landes – [PA060] [PA061]

Two water jugs – 19th century – Les Landes [PA060] Of Spanish Basque inspiration, with a washer at the top of the spout to facilitate its grip, this jug has, around the top opening, an orange-colored glazed bib. [PA061] This head jug, also from the pottery center of Castandet in the Landes, presents a glazed…

Two oil jugs – 19ᵗʰ century – Périgord – [PA053] [PA054]

Two oil jugs – 19ᵗʰ century – Périgord – [PA053] [PA054] Both from the famous pottery center of Beauregard-de-Terrasson, these two oil jugs have well-known distinctive signs. The first, on the left in the overall photo, presents a wine-colored glaze obtained thanks to manganese oxide, manganese being a natural metal extracted from Perigord soil since…

Overall, the vertical bands accentuate the pot-bellied aspect of this beautiful pottery.

Oil jug – Late 18ᵗʰ century – Quercy – [PA052]

Oil jug – Late 18ᵗʰ century – Quercy – [PA052] Thanks to its manganese-based glaze, this late 18ᵗʰ century oil jug has a pretty chocolate hue. Its pinched trefoil spout which marks its membership in the famous Quercy pottery is in perfect condition.

The zoomorphic-inspired cover is therefore shaped like a hare.

Terrine in the shape of a hare in glazed earthenware – 19ᵗʰ century – South West – [PA050]

Terrine in the shape of a hare in glazed earthenware – 19ᵗʰ century – South West – [PA050] Also called “gîte à pâté”, this zoomorphic-inspired terrine was used both for cooking and for presenting the famous hare pâté on a well-appointed table. The originality of this glazed terrine also lies in the alternation of star…

Oil jar – 19ᵗʰ century – Quercy – [PA044]

Oil jar – 19ᵗʰ century – Quercy – [PA044] This oil jar from Quercy, made of red clay, has the particularity of its trefoil pinched spout. The body is adorned with oblique bands, drawn with a decorating wheel.

Two water jugs – 19ᵗʰ century – Midi-Pyrénées [PA036] [PA037]

Carried on the heads of women who went to fetch water from the village well or fountain, these jugs are called “head jugs”. In order to make the task less painful and less perilous, these water carriers made a straw wreath wrapped in fabric which they placed between the jug and their hair. These jugs…

Oil jug – 19ᵗʰ century – Beauregard de Terrasson [PA014]

This oil jug has a set of distinctive signs which inevitably links it to the famous pottery center of Beauregard de Terrasson in Périgord. Observe rather: it was turned in a sandstone clay, covered with a glaze of tint “wine lees” obtained thanks to the local manganese and its beak presents a bulbous form, also…

Oil jug – 18ᵗʰ century – Quercy [PA013]

This elegant oil jar, turned in the 18ᵗʰ century, is distinguished by its slender upward handle, its pinched spout, its gray brown glaze made with manganese and its decoration of knurled strips arranged diagonally. So many particular signs in this region of production, the Quercy, which make us perceive the inventiveness marked with pleasure of…

Pitcher – 19ᵗʰ century – Auvergne [PA009]

Pitcher – 19ᵗʰ century – Auvergne Dimensions: height 37 cm. Price: on demand. Reference number: PA009

Oil jar – 18ᵗʰ century – Auvergne [PA008]

Dimensions: height 39 cm. Reference number: PA008

Oil jar – 19ᵗʰ century – Auvergne [PA007]

Hauteur 29 cm.

Oil jar – 19ᵗʰ century – Auvergne [PA006]

Height 31 cm.

Oil jar – 18ᵗʰ Century – Quercy [PA005]

Hauteur 26 cm.

Pottery oil flask – 18ᵗʰ century – Quercy [PA001]

Green glaze decorated with coiled slip strands small pinched lip to give accuracy. Lack of glazing on sides possibly for a better grip-a trade mark – or the potter’s naesthetic choice.

Imperial oil jug – 19ᵗʰ century – Quercy – [PA072]

She advances, as if towards an opera box, dressed in her sequined black evening dress and sporting on her throat her prettiest long necklace composed of pearls in the shape of flowers, of which one imagines each petal adorned with precious stones. Yes, I am talking to you about an oil jug modeled under the…

Three water jugs – 19th century – Périgord – [PA055] [PA056] [PA057]

Three water jugs – 19th century – Périgord – [PA055] [PA056] [PA057] These three water jugs were hand-turned in the 19th century by master potters from the famous Beauronne-Douzillac workshops in the heart of Périgord. They were dedicated to the use of water and wine for table service. The green color of the glazes -…

Lamb-shaped mold used during Easter celebrations

Lamb-shaped mold in glazed earthenware – 19ᵗʰ century – South West – [PA051]

Lamb-shaped mold in glazed earthenware – 19ᵗʰ century – South West – [PA051] This type of zoomorphic-inspired mold was dedicated to making cookies and chocolates in the shape of a lamb for the Easter celebrations, in reference to the paschal lamb.

Two-tone Auvergne oil jar, yellow-brown face

Oil jar – 19th century – Auvergne – [PA043]

Oil jar – 19th century – Auvergne – [PA043] This Auvergne oil jar has a very special feature: its glaze is on one side pale green and on the other yellow-brown.

Three jugs – 19ᵗʰ century – Périgord – [PA046] [PA047] [PA048]

Three jugs – 19ᵗʰ century – Périgord – [PA046] [PA047] [PA048] This jug comes from the pottery center of Beauronne-Douzillac, in the Dordogne. It could be used as a reserve of walnut oil for lighting as well as a water jug for table service. Height: 20 cm.

Oil jar – 19ᵗʰ century – Auvergne – [PA045]

Oil jar – 19ᵗʰ century – Auvergne – [PA045] You can easily recognize the jars from the pottery center of Brioude in Haute-Loire by the very red color of the clay they are made of. This intense red results from the strong load of iron oxide of this earth. It has three handles and a…

Mélard – 19ᵗʰ century – Puy de Dôme – [PA049]

Mélard – 19ᵗʰ century – Puy de Dôme – [PA049] – Photos: Claude MANGIN. Large oil reserve in glazed earthenware used in walnut oil producing regions such as Auvergne, these jars called “mélards” were stored in cluzeaux and the cellars of mills or large state houses. Walnut oil was stored there, redistributed in smaller jars…

Two water jugs – 19ᵗʰ century – Sadirac – Gironde – [PA041] [PA042]

Two water jugs – 19ᵗʰ century – Sadirac – Gironde – [PA041] [PA042] These two water jugs, originating from the pottery center of Sadirac in Gironde, are characterized by the originality of their colors, obtained thanks to copper oxide. On the smaller one, we observe shades of pale green resulting from the flame effects on…

Glazed terracotta jugs – 19ᵗʰ century – Beauronne-Douzillac – [PA039 – PA040]

Glazed terracotta jugs – 19ᵗʰ century – Beauronne-Douzillac – [PA039 – PA040] These two terracotta jugs come from the famous pottery center of Beauronne-Douzillac in the Dordogne. On the larger one we observe, depending on its overall glaze, subtle shades of green resulting from the heating effect in the oven. Patterns of digitized bands are…

Oval shape and green water glaze of the oil jug

Oil jug – 19ᵗʰ century – Périgord [PA038]

The beautiful ovoid shape of this oil jug from the Beauronne – Douzillac pottery center, its fine spout and its water-green glaze enhanced with digitized bands give it a notorious elegance.. Reference : [PA038].

Three water jugs – 19ᵗʰ century – Périgord [PA033] [PA034] [PA035]

These three water jugs come from the pottery center of Beauronne – Douzillac, which is easily recognized by the nature of the clay used: a white clay, loaded with kaolin. Most of the production of this renowned center has a green glaze, like the pottery in the background [PA035], hence the originality of the brown…

Water jug – 19ᵗʰ century – Quercy [PA011]

Water jug – 19ᵗʰ century – Quercy Dimensions: Height 27 cm. Price on demand. Reference number: PA011

Oil jar – 18ᵗʰ century – Périgord [PA031]

Oil jar – 18ᵗʰ century – Périgord This exceptional oil jar called “du Bugue” is a primitive model of this legendary potter’s center in the heart of Périgord noir. Among its particular signs are its large pinched spout, its wide fluted handles and its wide digitized bands, 15 of which one ends very high under…

Cooking pot – 19ᵗʰ century – Auvergne [PA3D002]

Cooking pot – 19ᵗʰ century – Auvergne Cooking pot for the chimneys, to be positioned in the hearth, glazed only inside. Reference number: PA3D002.

Varnished earthenware oil jar – 19ᵗʰ century – Auvergne – Massif Central [PA029]

Varnished earthenware oil jar – 19ᵗʰ century – Auvergne – Massif Central This “mélard” from the Auvergne stands out with its rich green flamed finish and glaze. The lead varnish enhances and beautifies this old oil jar. Walnut oil used to be burnt for lighting purposes. Reference number: PA029

Water jug from Sadirac – 18ᵗʰ century – Gironde – Aquitaine [PA028]

Water jug from Sadirac – 18ᵗʰ century – Gironde – Aquitaine Made in the 18ᵗʰ century, this water jug comes from the famous Sadirac Gallo-Roman pottery workshop site in the Aquitaine region of France.. Reference number: PA028

Rare oil jug – 18ᵗʰ century – Beauregard de Terrasson [PA010]

Rare oil jug – 18ᵗʰ century – Beauregard de Terrasson Dimensions: height 40 cm. Price: on demand. Reference number: PA010

Glazed earthenware « mélard » – 18ᵗʰ century – Puy de Dôme [PA027]

Glazed earthenware « mélard » – 18ᵗʰ century – Puy de Dôme The size of this commonly used piece of pottery is absolutely amazing. In days gone by, it was used for storing nut oil in mills, châteaux and monasteries. In the 18ᵗʰ century, nut oil was used exclusively for lighting purposes in public places. This jar…

Large oil jug – 18ᵗʰ century – Quercy [PA004]

Dimensions: height 41 cm. Restoration on a handle. Price on demand.

Confit pot – 19ᵗʰ century – Gers [PA016]

Height 24 cm. Possibilité de créer des séries.

Oil jar – Early 19ᵗʰ century – Quercy [PA015]

Hauteur 30 cm.

Colander – 19ᵗʰ century – Saintonge [PA021]

Colander – 19ᵗʰ century – Saintonge. Dimensions: diameter 35 cm, height 18 cm.

Oil jar – 19ᵗʰ Century – Périgord / Beauronne production [PA002]

Pale green glaze, V-shaped bands down front (finger impressions), comfortable handle, thin little spout.

Spherical oil jar with two handles – Auvergne – 18ᵗʰ Century [PA003]

Decorated with horizontal and vertical strips and covered with a green glaze in perfect condition. Height: 55 cm, diameter: 53 cm