Confit and Olive Jars

I have always had this “thing” for confit pots and olive jars, even before
they became so popular.  My first purchase was from a flea market over
twenty five years ago.  I probably paid about $15.00 for the first pot.
Confit pots were originally used in the South of France to store meat
and other perishable food. They would be filled and then buried in the
ground to keep the food cool.
The antique pots have now become very expensive and a lot harder
to find.  I have seen rare ones priced as high as $900 and others
normally sell from $185 and up, depending on condition.  Fortunately
there are reproductions that can be bought at a fraction of the price.
No, they do not have the charm of the antiques but many are still very
pretty and look great in a French Country style home.
Recently Steve and I stopped in downtown Winter Park for lunch on the
way to take him to the airport.  Winter park is such a cute town with great
shops and restaurants.  We went to a French outdoor cafe for lunch and guess
what was across the street?   A Pottery Barn!  
 
Pottery Barn had this yellow confit  pot at 70% off.  How could I resist?
The dark olive jar was found at the same flea market where I bought the
giant clam shell.  I couldn’t believe an antique dealer was selling the jar for
$10.00.  Between this purchase and the clam shell bargain I was dancing on air!
Below are just a few photos of my confit pot collection, both new and antique.

 

These are just a few of my collection. Sorry,  I can’t find pictures of all the pots.
I currently have four antique confits and three reproductions.
Before I leave I want to share a picture of my favorite olive jar.
This is just one of my many collections…you didn’t think the name of
my blog was a coincidence?
To see more Confit pots check out my Pinterest Board,  French Country.
I would love for you to follow me while there.
What do you collect?
Thanks to everyone that joined the Open House party last week and
I hope to see you Wednesday evening for this weeks party.
Lucia
Author

35 thoughts on “Confit and Olive Jars”

  1. Hi Sherry! Oh, what a pretty pot! I've never heard the name before and I just learn new every day in blogland.
    Glad you got such a great deal and love all of your decorating.
    be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

  2. You know I collect lots of things. One of them are the olive jars which I have quite a few of. I want the confit pots, but like you said they are expensive. The cheapest I have found them here is $95 for a small one. Maybe one day I will bite the bullet and just pay that.

  3. Dearest Sherry, this makes me want to trek up to Pottery Barn tomorrow just in case! What an amazing find. Your entire collection is wonderful.. I have not been a big collector over the years. I have a nice linen collection and Cross Bottles though.

    xoxo
    Karena
    2013 Artists Series

  4. The jars look very Mediterranean to me. It's like I can feel a hot breeze on my skin just looking at them… And wait: are those cicadas I hear in the background?
    I'm an obsessive collector: teapots, teacups, egg coddlers… And I live in a very tiny house!!!!

  5. I can't believe the prices you got on some of your earlier purchases. I love these pots, but it's so hard to find a deal anymore. They sure add such warmth and personality to a room.
    Leslie (aka Gwen Moss)

  6. I feel like we need to build an ark with all the rain Va. has been getting! Love the jars you found Sherry. Old jars and jugs have always been a favorite of mine. Mom has a Rebecca jar that I covet. 🙂

  7. Beautiful collection, Sherry. I couldn't begin to name all the different collections that have happened through the years here. 😉 No Minimalist Here either. LOL

  8. Sherry, What is the difference between a confit jar and an olive oil jar? How do you tell the difference. I realize they had different uses but to look at a jar what is the difference?

  9. What a deal! Doesn't it just make your heart skip a beat or two? I love Pottery barn and it's rare that I find a great deal like you did. Thanks for the education about confit jars. I had no idea what the history was or what they were called.

  10. I love these pots too, just don't have any:( I have always had Asain pieces but I SO admire the French country look I see. Your collection is beautifu. Now I am off to Pinterest to check out your boards too!!!! XO, Pinky

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