French Antique Cheese Strainers or Faisselles: These are traditional and rustic tools utilized to drain the whey from cheese curds during the cheesemaking process. These charming pieces have many variations in size, texture, color, glazing, and making each one unique. While functional as cheese strainers, faisselles are can serve as a strainer or small bowl for berries, fruits, olives or even as a soap dish.
 
I found these three antique faisselles in Provence with a terracotta and faded ochre finish that is typical for this region of France. These pieces are all likely from the late 1900s and all have a beautiful patina due to age:
 
A) 4" diameter & 2" High, a gorgeous faisselle in excellent condition. Beautiful patina inside and out!
 
B) This one is shabby chic condition with age related wear coming through -- I just love the terracotta throughout this piece! 3" Diameter x 1.5" height
 
C) A more rounded piece than the other pieces with an age-related chip on the lip, a lovely addition to any collection!
3" diameter x 1" high