A rustic French glazed stoneware kitchen canister of cylindrical form, featuring a cream-glazed shoulder and neck contrasting with a matte, slip-finished body. The front is hand-inscribed with the French word 'Pâtes' in a simple cursive script, and the jar is fitted with its original thick, rustic cork stopper.

Historical & Style Details

• Subject / Sitter / Source: Kitchen storage canister for pasta
• Period: Early 20th Century
• Origin: France
• Material / Technique: Glazed stoneware, hand-inscribed script, cork
• Markings: Inscribed "Pâtes" on the front body
• Colour & Surface: Cream-glazed upper section, matte off-white slip-coated lower body, natural brown cork
• Condition: Minor surface scuffs, light staining, and firing imperfections consistent with age and utilitarian use; cork lid shows typical wear and weathering

History

Utilitarian stoneware canisters of this type were staple fixtures in French provincial kitchens throughout the late 19th and mid-20th centuries. Often produced by regional potteries in areas like Burgundy or Provence, these jars combined durable, heavy-gauge stoneware with simple, hand-painted or incised labels to organize dry goods. Today, they are highly sought after by collectors of French country decor for their rustic texture, simple typography, and functional charm.