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Antique Portuguese Handmade Terracotta Lateral Vessel - 3 Available

$650.00

Formed by hand in 19th century Portugal, these terracotta vessels carry a history shaped as much by the sea as by the maker.

They spent years submerged underwater, where time left its own mark—soft encrustations, mineral deposits, and a surface that feels almost geological. Each piece carries the irregularities of both hand and environment. The clay bears the marks of its making, while the sea has added its own vocabulary—clusters of calcified growth, worn edges, and softened contours.

Unlike upright forms, these vessels now rest on their sides, their instability becoming part of their presence. What was once purely functional now reads as sculptural—objects that seem to have been shifted by currents and settled into stillness.

There is a tension between movement and rest. Positioned on a surface, they feel as though they have just come ashore, their orientation unchanged.

Sold and priced individually.

DIMENSIONS: 13"W x 9"D x 9.5"H

ADDITIONAL DIMENSIONS: Medium 12"W x 10"D x 9.5"H;
Small 10.5"W x 10"D x 9"H

ORIGIN: Portugal

PERIOD: 19th Century

MATERIALS: Terracotta

CONDITION: In good antique condition, with surface wear consistent with age and use. The terracotta shows areas of weathering, mineral accretion, and organic encrustation acquired during prolonged submersion at sea, including adhered shell fragments and calcified deposits.

The surfaces are irregular and textured, with natural variations in tone and size. Edges are softened, and the patina is deeply developed, giving each vessel a distinct, time-worn character.

This lateral vessel is inherently unstable and intended to rest on its side.

Item Location

This item is located in our warehouse.

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Our Warehouse is located 10 minutes from our Showroom in Chicago's River West Neighborhood. Please click here to schedule a viewing.

Shipping, Delivery, and Pick Up

This item ships via UPS Ground Shipping

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Returns

All Sales Are Final. If you have any hesitation prior to purchase or would like more details, we would love to share more photos and answer any questions!  South Loop Loft neither assumes nor offers any warranty on vintage, or refinished/reupholstered items after items leave our showroom. View our full policy here.

Questions?
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Antique Portuguese Handmade Terracotta Lateral Vessel - 3 Available

Formed by hand in 19th century Portugal, these terracotta vessels carry a history shaped as much by the sea as by the maker.

They spent years submerged underwater, where time left its own mark—soft encrustations, mineral deposits, and a surface that feels almost geological. Each piece carries the irregularities of both hand and environment. The clay bears the marks of its making, while the sea has added its own vocabulary—clusters of calcified growth, worn edges, and softened contours.

Unlike upright forms, these vessels now rest on their sides, their instability becoming part of their presence. What was once purely functional now reads as sculptural—objects that seem to have been shifted by currents and settled into stillness.

There is a tension between movement and rest. Positioned on a surface, they feel as though they have just come ashore, their orientation unchanged.

Sold and priced individually.

Dimensions
Width: 13"
Depth: 9"
Height: 9.5"
Additional Dimensions: Medium 12"W x 10"D x 9.5"H; Small 10.5"W x 10"D x 9"H
Origin: Portugal
Period: 19th Century
Materials: Terracotta
Condition
In good antique condition, with surface wear consistent with age and use. The terracotta shows areas of weathering, mineral accretion, and organic encrustation acquired during prolonged submersion at sea, including adhered shell fragments and calcified deposits. The surfaces are irregular and textured, with natural variations in tone and size. Edges are softened, and the patina is deeply developed, giving each vessel a distinct, time-worn character. This lateral vessel is inherently unstable and intended to rest on its side.

685 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60642 | southlooploft.com | (312) 291-8479