An antique French salt-glazed stoneware vinegar jar with twin handles - jars such as this were made particularly in the Rhone Valley and Alsace regions.  these sorts of containers were shaped on foot-powered wheels using locally dug stoneware clay to withstand regaular use without cracking.  The salt-glaze was achieved by throwing salt into the kiln during firing.

These large jars were used to preserve meats, store salted butter or hold vinegar or aoil.  The double handles allowed two people to lift the heavy vessel safetly.  This jar has a hole in the side of the jar at the bottom (see photo), which presumably would have been corked off, to make the removal of liquids easier.

Dimensions:

Height:   53 cm
Diameter:   30 cm