Vintage French Glazed Stoneware Water Jug

A charming pair of vintage French glazed stoneware jugs, each hand-thrown and finished in a warm ochre glaze. These utilitarian vessels date to the late 19th or early 20th century and were traditionally used in rural France for carrying and serving water, wine, or cider.

Each jug features a graceful rounded body, a narrow neck with a small pouring spout, and sturdy side lugs fitted with a metal carry handle. The rich glaze not only enhances their beauty but also sealed the clay to keep liquids fresh. Perfect as decorative accents in a French country kitchen, as rustic vases for seasonal blooms, or simply displayed as part of a pottery collection.

Dimensions 10”H x 5”D

Sold individually 

Condition: Excellent vintage condition with light wear consistent with age. No cracks; minimal surface marks.

Collectors information

Close inspection of the clay, glaze, and handle fittings suggests these jugs were crafted in the early 20th century, likely between 1890 and 1920. The hand-formed lugs show slight variations in shape, with traces of glaze pooling around the wire openings—a hallmark of small-batch rural production. The metal carry handles are fashioned from hand-bent iron with a natural aged patina, consistent with period hardware before the introduction of mass-produced galvanized fittings. The warm ochre glaze displays subtle tonal variations, further reflecting the artisan’s hand and the character of early kiln firing.