The Jars of Biot

Centuries of Provençal craftsmanship, preserved in clay.

From the 16th century onward, the village of Biot became renowned for its ceramic jars, producing hundreds of thousands of vessels exported throughout the Mediterranean, the Americas, and as far as the Indian coast. These jars played an essential role in trade and daily life and reflect a long tradition of craftsmanship.

Archival records document more than 510 potters working in Biot between 1550 and the end of the 19th century. The industry reached its peak during the 17th and 18th centuries, when up to 40 potters were active in the village at one time. Techniques and knowledge were passed from father to son, creating generations of potters and enduring family traditions.

Biot became a center of ceramic excellence as jar production grew alongside olive cultivation. These vessels were used to store and transport olive oil, flour, dried beans, and other provisions. Each jar was waterproofed with a thick lead glaze, known as alquifoux, and marked with a seal beneath the collar as an early sign of authorship.

Finished pieces were shipped primarily from Marseille, as well as from Antibes and Genoa, connecting Biot’s potteries to international markets. Today, Authentic Provence carries a carefully handpicked collection of antique Biot jars from the South of France, available in a range of sizes, offering collectors and designers an opportunity to bring this enduring tradition into contemporary spaces.