A beautiful lidded antique French gargoulette, jug or orjol from the Provence region of France. Handmade back in the late half of the 19th century, these old pitchers were primarily used for water in the summer months. This one has a glazed interior, however, so may have been used for olive or walnut oil. With its wonderful shape and gorgeous rich green colour, this antique cruche or pitcher has so much charm and history, as the knocks and chips (see photos) testify. Obviously in daily use for more than one generation, the lid is still tied on with a piece of string. The lids are often missing from these antique Provence pottery jugs, so the string has clearly served its purpose! This glorious old cruche has all the the knocks and chips you'd expect from a household item of this age, and is no less charming for any of them. The handle has what looks like a hairline crack all round (see picture), but on close inspection is a deeper than average surface crack, and the handle is solid. Measures approx 39cm (just over 15") high to top of handle by 26cm (just over 10") width from tip of spout to tip of handle. Weighs 3.18kg (7lb 1oz).
