Vintage Rustic Stoneware Butter Bell with Drip Plate, Cheese Keeper– Hand-Thrown Brown Pottery (1970s)

This vintage stoneware butter bell keeper features a hand-thrown dome lid with a looped handle and a coordinating drip plate base. The rich brown glaze reveals warm earthen tones of ochre and russet beneath a rustic matte finish, lending timeless farmhouse charm. Perfect for kitchen counters, cottage tables, or fall harvest displays.

Each piece was individually wheel-crafted, showing subtle throwing rings and organic irregularities that highlight its handmade origin. The butter keeper design allowed for cool water in the base to preserve butter before refrigeration — a practical and beautiful relic of simpler times.

Weight: 1 lb 6.6 oz
Dimensions: Approx. 5 ¾″ H × 6 ¼″ W

Material: Stoneware pottery with rustic glaze
Stoneware butter bells like this gained popularity throughout the mid-20th century as homesteaders and artisans revived traditional European methods of butter storage. American studio potters in the 1970s often embraced earthy glazes and primitive textures, producing functional art that reflected the natural aesthetic of the era. These pieces were typically sold at regional craft fairs or local potteries—each one slightly different, each carrying the maker’s mark of hand and wheel.

Wear & Condition

item is vintage or antique, and as such, may exhibit typical signs of age—including light surface wear, patina, faint discoloration, minor imperfections & crazing. These characteristics are part of its charm and story. Please review all photos carefully before purchasing

Display Props

Any flowers, books, stands, or candles shown in photos are for styling purposes only and are not included unless explicitly stated in the product description.

Use & Safety

All items are for decorative use only and are not toys. Please handle with care and keep out of reach of children.

Lead Disclaimer

Some vintage pieces may have been produced before modern lead safety regulations. These are sold for decorative purposes only and are not intended for food or drink use.

Shipping Details

We ship via USPS. Orders over $35 ship free via USPS Ground Advantage. Orders under $35 are shipped USPS Priority.