Stories & Craftsmanship

Southern France has given birth to two legendary terracotta forms: the Anduze vase and the Biot vase.
Often compared, they are in fact two very different expressions of Mediterranean craftsmanship, each with its own history, silhouette and personality.

For discerning Australian collectors and design lovers, understanding these differences is key to choosing a piece that truly resonates with their space.

Two Icons of the South, Two Distinct Styles

The Anduze vase, originating in the Cévennes region, is instantly recognisable by its bell-shaped form, elegant garlands and decorative medallions. Traditionally made from unglazed terracotta, it was designed for citrus trees and refined garden compositions.

The Biot vase, by contrast, comes from the French Riviera, near the village of Biot. Historically used as olive oil jars, these vessels are:

• more massive and cylindrical,

• often finished in a golden or honey-toned glaze,

• and defined by their powerful, rounded curves.

Both are icons—but they speak very different design languages.

The Sculptural Grace of the Biot Vase

What sets the Biot vase apart is its sculptural presence.

Its generous proportions and hand-thrown curves give it a sense of quiet strength and natural elegance. Forged entirely by hand, each piece carries subtle variations in profile and glaze flow, creating a sense of movement and softness despite its monumental form.

Placed in a garden, courtyard or architectural interior, a Biot vase reads less as a planter and more as a functional sculpture—a statement piece rooted in Mediterranean heritage.

A Living Craft, Not a Mass-Produced Object

Today, fewer than a handful of workshops continue to produce authentic Anduze and Biot vases using ancestral techniques. This rarity makes each signed piece an act of preservation.

Choosing a handcrafted vase is not just a design decision—it is a conscious and engaged purchase, supporting local artisans and a living heritage threatened by industrial production.

At Laetitia’s Interiors, we work directly with specialist ateliers in southern France to have Biot vases made to order, respecting traditional methods, before importing them for the Australian market.

Terracotta That Works With Nature

Traditional terracotta—particularly when partially or fully unglazed—offers exceptional horticultural benefits:

• it naturally regulates moisture in the soil,

• allows roots to breathe,

• and protects plants from heat stress during Australian summers.

This “superpower” comes from the porosity of the clay, which acts like a second skin for the plant, creating a healthier growing environment.

Even glazed Biot vases retain this balance through the thickness and quality of the clay body.

The Signature of the Hand: Medallions and Imperfection

Medallions (or macarons) are not mere decoration. Applied by hand, they connect the form and carry the mark of the master potter.

Their slight asymmetry—the trace of a thumb, a gentle irregularity—is precisely what distinguishes a piece with a soul from a moulded copy.

In handcrafted terracotta, imperfection is perfection.

Caring for Your Biot or Anduze Vase: 3 Mistakes to Avoid

To preserve both beauty and longevity, avoid these common errors:

1. Placing the Vase Directly on the Ground

Trapped moisture can cause damage, especially in colder regions. Always use terracotta feet to allow airflow and drainage.

2. Using Standard Potting Mix

Universal mixes compact over time and suffocate roots. Opt for a free-draining blend of garden soil, horticultural mix and volcanic rock or pumice.

3. Cleaning with a High-Pressure Hose

This can damage glaze and patina. A soft brush and clean water are all that’s needed.

Mediterranean Heritage, Crafted for Australia

At Laetitia’s Interiors, we curate, commission and import authentic Biot and Anduze vases for Australian clients seeking timeless, meaningful design pieces.

Whether placed in a coastal Queensland garden, a Sydney courtyard or a Melbourne interior, a Biot vase brings:

• sculptural elegance,

• cultural depth,

• and a sense of permanence rarely found in contemporary décor.

These are not objects that follow trends.
They are pieces that anchor space, age beautifully and grow in value over time.