Large French Glazed Terracotta Oval Gratin Dish

Large French glazed terracotta plat à gratin with a broad oval form, substantial raised loop handles and warm ochre-yellow interior glaze contrasting with the mottled brown exterior. Made as functional kitchen pottery, shallow oven dishes of this type were used for baking and serving gratins and other prepared foods directly from the oven.

The hand-worked form, textured exterior and richly varied glaze give this unusually large example considerable character. Crazing, scratches, glaze wear and areas of loss remain visible from its history of use.

MATERIALS: Glazed terracotta earthenware

CONDITION: Age and wear consistent with use, including interior scratches, glaze wear and losses, crazing, surface variation and natural firing irregularities.