Stunning 19th-century French stoneware preserve jar with lid. Most likely from the Eastern France/Burgundy/Alsace region. Was most likely for preserves or pate/lard. The domed lid was to keep out dust and insects. Its helped it stay cool and was probably originally sealed with a cloth. Some sort if fashioned handle is now gone as observed from the hole on either side of the top.

This is a salt-glazed stoneware that was high-fired. The crackling is authentic age crazing. Circa 1850-1880.