Pair of Antique Mediterranean Terracotta Olive Jars, c. 1880

A striking pair of hand-thrown Eastern Mediterranean olive jars dating from the late 19th to early 20th century. Each vessel features a broad, everted rim with incised rings, four small pierced lugs for tying down covers, and an elegant ovoid form resting on a flat base. The surfaces display rich, authentic patina with remnants of black pitch—the resin once used to waterproof the interior—and white mineral accretions from decades of cellar use.

These jars were originally made for storing olive oil, wine, or grains, and were prized for their durability and beauty. Their time-worn texture, subtle glaze drips, and handmade imperfections now make them equally at home in a modern interior or Mediterranean-inspired garden setting. Each jar stands approximately 23 inches high and measures 19 inches in diameter, making them ideal statement pieces for an entryway, patio, or great room.

A rare matched pair with exceptional surface character, reflecting the history and utility of fine 19th-century craftsmanship.

Dimensions:
Height: 23 in
Diameter: 19 in
Mouth: 8 in
Base: 10.5 in

Condition Notes:
Good, structurally stable condition with wear, edge chips, and encrustations consistent with age and use. The patina and pitch residues are original and desirable; surfaces have been left uncleaned to preserve authenticity.

Period: Late 19th–Early 20th Century
Place of Origin: Eastern Mediterranean (likely Aegean or Anatolian coast, Turkey)
Materials: Terracotta, pitch/resin
Color Palette: Clay, cream, and dark brown with natural mineral deposits