A French glazed earthenware cheese mold (faiselle) of cylindrical form, featuring a slightly flared rim and a tapered body. The vessel is hand-pierced with numerous drainage holes across the sides and bottom, designed to allow whey to drain during the cheese-making process. Finished in a rustic cream-colored glaze over a buff clay body.

Historical & Style Details

• Subject / Sitter / Source: Cheese mold (Faiselle)
• Period: 20th Century
• Origin: France
• Material / Technique: Wheel-thrown earthenware, hand-pierced, slip-glazed
• Materials: Earthenware, glaze
• Decorative Details: Rolled rim, tapered cylindrical body, multi-hole drainage pattern
• Colour & Surface: Off-white/cream glaze with minor firing imperfections and surface wear
• Condition: overall excellent rustic condition consistent with age and utilitarian use.

History

Historically known as a *faisselle* in France, these pierced ceramic vessels were essential utilitarian tools in rural households and dairies for draining curds to make fresh cheese. Crafted from local clays and simple glazes, their rustic charm and functional design have made them highly collectible examples of European folk art and country kitchenware.