Antique Italian enameled terracotta olive oil jar from the Puglia region of Italy. Beautiful earthenware vessels were used 75 to 150 years ago to store grains, olives, oils, and prepared foods. Often buried to preserve their contents at cooler temperatures, they could be found in small Aegean and Mediterranean villages. From the smallest pitcher to the largest oil jar, each is unique in shape, color, and texture. A simple utilitarian object that is appreciated today as folk art. Of the classic Provençal and Mediterranean forms, the most common is the olive oil jar, traditionally in terracotta, was copiously coated with a thick drizzle of emerald-green or mustard-yellow glaze. The jars were made by hand, without mould or wheel. The patina and or color of these jars are distinctive and the appearance change from region to region. This one is in very good original condition with a wonderful patina (the spout has been broken off). Italy circa 1800