Antique French Pigment Jar - Set of 4

Found at a countryside market outside of Paris, we were instantly taken by the unstudied artistic charm of these Antique French Pigment Jars. Originally used as containers for powdered pigment and labeled with the names of natural substances used to create a specific color effect, each quaint jar is beautifully decorated. Colorful flowers appear on the thick ceramic lids, while clever hand-painted scenes on the body of each jar illustrate the origin of each pigment. Each container is also lettered with a pigment name: 'Suc de Neige' (Sugar Snow), 'Cochenille' (a rich red derived from the cochineal insect), 'Neige Rosea' (Pale Rose) and 'Oâte aux Lys'.

The making of color has a long history. Derived from finely ground rocks, plants, animals and insects, pigments have been used from the earliest times to illustrate stories and images. Sourced from minerals like iron, copper, and cobalt and mixed with liquid binders like water, saliva and animal fat to create colorful paints, fine artists study and experiment with pigment in a never ending quest to duplicate the elusive visions within their mind's eye.

Long since devoid of pigment powders, these lovely ceramic jars with their sweet lids would make handy containers to corral trinkets and accessories, desk supplies or even varieties of herbs or loose tea in the kitchen for creating your own custom blends. Capturing the authentic artisanal spirit of France's rich artistic history, these charming jars promise to infuse your home with the lively spirit of creativity in all its forms. 

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. Set of 4 pigment jars in very good antique condition. Each jar measures 4.75"H x 3.25" in diameter.