Antique French Ironstone Pot, Badonviller

Period: Early 20th century

Size: 3½ inches tall, 4½ inches in diameter

A white ironstone jar from the Faïencerie de Badonviller in Lorraine, marked on the base with the factory crest. It is a plain straight-sided cylinder with a rolled rim and a fine ridge below it, the kind of jar sold full of confiture or pâté and kept in the kitchen afterward. The glaze has crazed all over and the fine lines have taken on a tea-brown stain that reads like marbling across the whole surface, which is what gives the piece its color now. There is a small brown fleck on the rim and light speckling inside. Wear consistent with age and use, sold as found.

Historical Context

Badonviller sits near Lunéville in the Meurthe-et-Moselle, and its faïencerie was founded in 1897 by the Fenal family, who later ran the Pexonne works as well. The factory made everyday tableware and kitchen ceramics in white faïence fine until it closed in 1963. Jars like this were packaging first, holding preserves and potted meats from the grocer, and the good ones stayed on for spoons, pencils, and whatever else needed a home.

Styling Ideas

Small enough to sit anywhere. Use it on a nightstand for rings and hairpins, on a desk for pens, or on the bathroom counter with cotton pads. It disappears into a group of white ironstone and reads as one of the older pieces once you look closely.