Antique French Glass Garden Cloche | Hand-Blown Melon Cloche | 19th Century
The shape is what makes this antique French glass garden cloche so charming. It rises higher than the wide "salad cloches," indicating its purpose: to cover a smaller but growing melon. You can immediately imagine it in a French potager, sitting over young melons or tender spring plants while the pale green glass catches the morning light.
Known in France as a cloche à melon, this garden cloche was made to trap warmth and protect young plants from cold nights, wind and garden pests. It likely dates from the 19th century, around 1850 to 1900 and is consistent with hand-blown French garden glass from the period. The soft green tint comes from the natural iron content in the glass, giving it that color we love in old utilitarian French glass.
The glass was blown by hand in one piece and the age shows beautifully. Small air bubbles are suspended throughout the wall. The thickness shifts slightly from place to place and the surface has that gentle movement that modern molded glass never quite has. The broad rolled rim gave the cloche stability when placed directly over soil, while the tall bell form created room for the plant to grow underneath.
Today, it would still be beautiful in the garden over herbs, strawberries, young lettuces or seedlings. Indoors, it would be wonderful on a farmhouse table, kitchen counter or sideboard covering a bowl of pears, lemons, market tomatoes or a small terracotta pot. It brings light, color and the feeling of an old French kitchen garden into the home.
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USA Pricing Information: Price includes duties, tariffs, customs, and shipping — no extra fees.
Antique French Glass Garden Cloche | Hand-Blown Melon Cloche | 19th Century
All the details you love
How long does it take to process an order?
Each order is carefully prepared to ensure it arrives safely and beautifully. Processing typically takes 2-4 business days. During this time, your item is:
- Checked one last time.
- Professionally packed for the utmost protection.
- Scheduled for pickup with a trusted shipping partner.
We don’t rush this step and it’s the extra time that makes sure your piece arrives exactly as expected, without damage or worry on your end.
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Do you ship internationally?
Yes! We ship worldwide from France, with a few exceptions (Russia, Belarus, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and China due to customs restrictions).
We regularly ship to the United States, Canada, all EU Countries, Korea and Japan, where French antiques and vintage kitchenware are especially appreciated.
Orders to these destinations are handled with extra care and shipped with trusted carriers to ensure safe and timely delivery.
If you’re in Hong Kong, Singapore or Taiwan, we also ship there.
Are returns or exchanges accepted?
We accept returns within 14 days of delivery in line with EU consumer law. Buyer covers return shipping and items must be returned in original condition. Refunds include the item price and original standard shipping.
We do not offer exchanges.
For more details, please see our Returns Policy.
Authenticity & Condition
Every piece is a genuine French or European antique or vintage find that has been carefully sourced in Provence and beyond.
We provide detailed photos and descriptions so you know exactly what you’re purchasing.
Signs of age such as patina or gentle wear are part of each item’s story and authenticity. They are not flaws but the character that makes antiques unique. If a piece has notable damage or restoration, we always state it clearly.
Our goal is to save you time and worry. When your order arrives, it matches what you saw online... authentic, original and ready to enjoy.
From Provence to Your Door
Rooted in Provence
A modern operation working at the slower pace of the South of France, with every piece chosen one at a time.
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Every piece is inspected, cleaned when necessary and professionally packed before it leaves Provence.
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Shipping, customs and duties are handled in advance for United States customers. The experience is seamless.
Living with Provence
Every one of our items is a piece of French history looking to find its place and start its next chapter in your home.
