Rare Antique French St Uze Butter Cooler

I was lucky to source not just one, but two of these fantastic rare St Uze butter coolers on my most recent sourcing trip to France.

In the iconic blue and white floral pattern, these are beautiful and hard wearing stoneware pieces. Available to purchase individually in either a medium or extra large size. Perfect for a French inspired breakfast table!

Butter keepers like this were common before refrigeration became widespread, but they are perfect for keeping butter at room temperature now still. To work them , the bell section is filled with butter, and the base vessel with cold water. The bell is then submerged in the base, which creates an airtight seal which keeps the butter cool and fresh.

The extra large keeper measures 15cm tall and in diameter. There are a few scuff marks to the surface but it's in overall good clean condition. There is a hairline crack on the bottom rim of the bell section, but this it is still sturdy and very usable.

The medium cooler measures 12cm tall and 12cm wide. It is certainly big enough for a family of four. It is in nice clean condition. There is some light surface crazing, as well as a very fine hairline bit this is tight and stable.