Broad shoulders swell from a narrow base to a thick rolled rim, the whole surface worn to a deep charcoal black. This large vintage black clay vessel carries faint horizontal lines from the hand-thrown wheel, along with scratches and chalky gray-white flecks that only come from years of use. Big unglazed clay jars like this were working containers, used to store water, grain and preserved foods before they became objects of quiet, earthy beauty.

At 16 inches wide and 16.5 inches tall, it is large enough to stand alone as a floor piece beside a sofa, hearth or entry. Fill it with tall branches, dried stems or pampas, or leave it empty and let the dark, matte form do the work against a pale wall.

• Era: Vintage
• Material: Earthenware
• Size: 16" diameter x 16.5"(H), opening 9.75"
• Color: Charcoal black with gray-white aging
• Condition: Wear consistent with age and use, part of its character and historical value. Scratches, surface wear and chalky aging marks.

This large vintage black clay vessel is an earthenware jar 16 inches in diameter and 16.5 inches tall, with a 9.75 inch opening. It has rounded shoulders, a rolled rim and a worn charcoal surface. It works as a floor vase for branches or dried stems, or as a sculptural piece on its own.

Q: What were large black clay vessels used for?
A: Large unglazed clay jars were everyday storage containers in rural households, holding water, grain, oil and preserved foods. Their thick walls kept contents cool and stable, which is why so many have survived with only surface wear.

Q: How do you style a large black clay vase?
A: Fill it with tall branches, dried grasses or pampas and set it on the floor beside a sofa or fireplace. Against a light wall the dark, matte surface reads as a strong sculptural shape even with nothing in it.

(Requires White Glove Delivery)

**Please bear in mind that colors of products shown may vary slightly from their original color due to monitor display settings or photography studio