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]

“Mélard” jar, 18ᵗʰ century, Antique pottery, Auvergne, Cantal, Terracotta, The treasure corner

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.

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

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

“Mélard” jar, 19ᵗʰ century, Antique pottery, Confit pots, Puy de Dôme, Terracotta, The treasure corner

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…

Mélard – 19ᵗʰ century – Puy de Dôme – [PA049] – Photo : Claude MANGIN.

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

“Mélard” jar, 19ᵗʰ century, Antique pottery, Auvergne, Puy de Dôme

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…

Varnished earthenware oil jar – 19ᵗʰ century – Auvergne – Massif Central

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

“Mélard” jar, 19ᵗʰ century, Antique pottery, Auvergne

Varnished earthenware oil jar – 19ᵗʰ century – Auvergne – Massif Central 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…

Glazed earthenware « mélard » - 18ᵗʰ century – Puy de Dôme

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

“Mélard” jar, 18ᵗʰ century, Antique pottery, Auvergne, Provincial art, Puy de Dôme

Glazed earthenware « mélard » – 18ᵗʰ century – Puy de Dôme 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…