⁩ A hand-painted ceramic and brass cognac barrel decanter by Alfred Renoleau. ⁨📐20cm

Potters in the town of Angoulême, France, created decorative glazed earthenware vessels known locally as faïence, often shaping them to resemble miniature wooden casks. These decorative barrels were produced by skilled artisans during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to serve fine spirits and brandies at social gatherings. They were shaped by hand or molded in clay sections, fired in a kiln, and then painstakingly hand-painted with detailed botanical motifs before receiving a glossy protective glaze.

Local cognac producers and spirit merchants used these miniature casks as promotional presentation pieces or special-edition packaging for aged brandies. Customers kept them on sideboards or dining tables, turning the small brass spigot to pour drinks for guests after a meal. Over time, as commercial packaging evolved and standardized glass bottles took over, these decorative ceramic barrels ceased to be used for storing spirits and became purely ornamental display items.

Angoulême, France

Circa 1900-1930

$34 — only 1 available.