Antique Cretan Terracotta Pithoi 2

A rare opportunity to own an old Cretan terracotta Pithoi jar.

This large vessel was used for the storage of oils. This practice of using large, wide terracotta jars (named Pithoi) is a common use on the island with a history going back thousands of years. This pot is estimated to be approximately 100-150 years old.

This large, sculptural jar would make an incredible statement - be it around a lobby in a hotel, an orangery or dressing the floor in a restaurant / outdoor kitchen space. Currently no drainage holes in the base, these can be arranged upon request.

Get in touch regarding nationwide delivery.

Height / 103cm

Nothing is more sustainable than using antiques around your home and garden. Buying antiques is a truly effective way for you to take direct action to help the environment. It is the ultimate in recycling with antiques being the eco-conscious choice that is often overlooked.

1) LOCAL DELIVERY My local delivery option covers all of the surrounding areas from Tom's Yard up to a 45 mile radius.

This includes Cheltenham, Cardiff, Cirencester, Ludlow, Hay-On-Wye, Worcester, Bristol, Chippenham, Bath, Newport, Redditch, Stow-on-the-Wold, Evesham... effectively, most of the surrounding counties.

At checkout, after typing in your postcode, you will receive a calculated price for my personal delivery service. This starts from just £30 and works up to £70.

Free delivery on all orders within a 15 mile radius when you spend more than £200.

Free delivery on all other pot orders within a wider 45 mile radius when you spend more than £600.

When I deliver it's a full 'white glove' service, meaning your pots will be placed exactly where you would like them to go. On top of this, I offer timed deliveries; So if you require delivery on a specific date & time (when a gardener is around, for example) this can be achieved.

2) NATIONWIDE PALLET DELIVERY Kerbside pallet delivery is charged at a £50. This covers mainland England & Wales. For Scotland & offshore locations, get in touch for a standard quote.

Your order will arrive on a pallet as a kerbside service. Disposal of waste and moving the goods is your responsibility. This takes 2-3 days in transit and is a weekday 9am - 5pm service. I typically advise for you to allow at least 5 working days to receive your pallet order from first placing it.

Saturday's, AM/PM slots and a faster service are available at a surcharge. This can be arranged with me post-sale.

If you would like to check with regards to what can fit on one pallet, do get in touch. If you tell me your provisional order I will be able to let you know immediately.

Pallet delivery is most popular for single orders or small orders of multiple pots / olive trees than can be grouped together. To discuss the logistics of a substantial order or if you require a more personal service, see below.

If you are not ready to receive your order, I offer 1 month of storage free of charge.

3) PERSONAL COURIER A courier service covering substantial orders and other large items is available and subject to quotation.

You can find more information on that service over on this page. 

For large orders or multiple items, I much prefer to use a courier. This often works out to be more cost-effective than sending multiple pallets, offers you a more personal service and saves you needing to dispose of the packaging that comes with a pallet service.

To discuss a quotation or the logistics of your delivery before ordering, get in touch.

Winter

Should harsh frosts be expected, particularly for prolonged periods, ensure to either wrap your pots with plastic bubble wrap or move them to a more sheltered spot to be stored until going back out on display in Spring (a glasshouse, shed, garage, outdoor kitchen...).

However, don't forget that each of these pots have lasted numerous Seasons over the course of their lives so far. The Mediterranean can see equally cold Winters as we do here.

Drainage

All of our antique pots feature drainage holes in the base. In the Yard we have discovered that soggy Autumn/Winter leaf drop can lead to drainage holes becoming clogged up. To combat this we recommend that you place a wire mesh inside your pot to catch leaf drop before it gathers in the base.

All of our antique pots have been personally sourced and chosen.

• Expect minor scratches, nicks, chibbles and scuffs along with light surface wear and variations in colour due to exposure to the elements. These aren't 'off the shelf' products.
• Unless stated in the description, these arrive structurally sound and free from detrimental cracks. Thomas wouldn't sell anything that he personally wouldn't be confident using.
• Condition Reports. Should you ever like a condition report on a specific pot just send us a message and we will get back to you with relevant comments and pictures.
• We offer no guarantee on antique/reclaimed pots. However, we see that as they have survived for multiple decades, looked after, they will go on much longer. See below for details.