Hi William,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

Olive cultivation in Anatolia goes back thousands of years, long before modern Turkey existed. Olives are tied to fertility and endurance (olive trees can live for centuries), peace and blessing (echoing broader Mediterranean traditions) and carry religious blessings and spiritual meaning (the olive is mentioned in the Qur'an as a blessed tree). All of these reinforce its respected status in Turkish Muslim culture and olive jars are usually seen as symbols of this status.

The tradition of making olive jars - choosing the clay, the turning techniques and the glazing formulas - have largely remained unchanged for centuries so it can be difficult to narrow the date of production; from the photos, these look to be 19th Century redware or earthenware with glaze containing copper to give it that greenish-brown appearance.

Unless jars can be documented to significant collections or excavation sites, ones of this size and age usually sell at auction for between $150-250 each.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A pair of antique Turkish copper-glazed earthenware olive oil jars
probably 19th Century
Each of circular section and tapering ovoid form, with outset rim, two loop handles and rimmed foot, with wire and lead seals.
Each 16 inches tall and 10" width across handles
CONDITION: these appear to be in good age-appropriate condition.
PROVENANCE: Catalogued by the Republic of Turkey, Istanbul Archaeology and Turkish National Istanbul Archaeology Museum
$150-250 each or $300-500 for the pair*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia