🥀 The Romance of Antique French Pickling Jars
An Ode to History, Nature, and the Art of Display
Tucked into corners of Parisian ateliers and Southern Swedish salons alike, antique French pickling jars—once used to preserve fruits and vegetables—are quietly enjoying a revival. At BON TON goods, these soulful green and clear glass vessels have become cherished centerpieces, effortlessly marrying rustic charm with natural beauty.
Whether clustered on tabletops or perched alone on a mantel, they whisper stories of the French countryside and lend an elegant scale to floral displays.
From Pantry to Pedestal: A Storied Past
Originating in 19th-century France, these jars (often called bonbonnes or dame-jeannes) were hand-blown and typically used to store wine, vinegar, or preserved fruits and vegetables. Their thick glass construction and gentle curves were utilitarian by design—but today, that very simplicity is their greatest allure.
Unlike modern vases, the beauty of antique pickling jars lies in their irregularity: bubbles caught in the glass, slightly tilted lips, and that signature olive or pale green tint that catches the light just so.
A New Life as a Vase
John Derian, a longtime hero of ours at BON TON, has long championed the art of floral maximalism using these jars. In his NYC home, towering cherry blossoms and wisteria branches burst forth from large green vessels, creating tableaux that feel both wild and refined.
We've followed suit. In our Malmö shop—and at home—you’ll find these jars brimming with lilacs, zinnias, peonies, and even unruly branches of viburnum or olive. Their generous mouths and sturdy bases allow even the most dramatic arrangements to feel balanced.
Styling Notes from BON TON
Here are a few of our favorite ways to use them:
Seasonal Drama: Let branches shine—magnolia in spring, elderberry in summer, maple in autumn.
Sculptural Simplicity: A single dramatic stem—like a foxglove or allium—can feel museum-worthy in the right vessel.
Tablescapes: Cluster different sizes together on an aged linen runner. Tuck in smaller wildflowers for softness.
Tip: Always use clean, cold water and trim stems diagonally to maximize floral life.
Available In-Store & Online
We source our antique French pickling jars directly and offer a curated selection year-round. Each one is unique, with its own subtle marks of time. Available in multiple sizes—from petite to statement.
