It began centuries ago in the Mediterranean, when hard-working men and women stocked large, heavy ceramic jars with olives and olive oil to ship around the world. The jars were handmade by potters for purely functional purposes, with the inside glazed smooth to secure the contents. Little did they know that these storage vessels would one day hold architectural value and be quite in demand throughout the world - without any contents included.

The stocked jars boarded ships bound for the United States and South America and arrived at estates, plantations and fine restaurants across the continents. Wealthy landowners could afford to have the finest products shipped from Europe, and these jars were a reminder of their resources and affluence. Once the contents were removed and used, the big ceramic jars were often set outside. Too wonderful in form and impressive in size to discard, some were actually put to use as garden ornaments. They began showing up in courtyards and parterre gardens. Some were converted into fountains and others were simply left to age on the front porch.

So the scene took form, with large rambling estates being accented with heavy olive jars from the Mediterranean. Like lush landscaping and fine furniture, these jars became a staple element for this standard of living. As the years passed, homeowners began to truly desire them for their form and architectural element they brought to the exterior of the home.

Using these large olive jars as architectural accents is a trademark of A. Hays Town, a deeply respected architect in the South. Almost every sketch, drawing or photograph that Town creates of his home designs includes large, olive oil jars positioned in a garden or along the front faŤade of the home. His theory of using old pieces in new architecture also influences the design elements he chooses to incorporate in his very innovative and original style of architecture. In turn, his choices influence other designers who respect his exquisite taste and his discriminating style.

In today's design-inspired market, designers, architects and landscape architects are again demanding authentic ceramic jars to add the right architectural touch to their porches, courtyards, gardens and even the interiors of their homes -- creating a little piece of history that will last for generations to come. To meet the demand of the informed consumer, Architectural Pottery was formed in 1980. The company began with a dedication and commitment to reproducing Mediterranean styled jars by hand on a wheel, using authentic materials. Our exclusive collection has evolved over the years to include more than 40 different pieces and now comprises large-scale bowls and planters. These pieces are available for shipment all over the world, sans the olives and olive oil.

Architectural Pottery's studio is located in a rambling, old brick warehouse just 14 blocks from the banks of the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge, LA. At any time, you can peek in and find our artist working on big pots in varying stages of development -- from the rustic beginning on the wheel to a glazed piece being loaded in our large kiln. We welcome you to come by for a visit.