The Demijohn

la bonbonne, wire baskets…

The Demijohn! It’s beautiful, it’s gorgeous! The antique Demijohn is a bulbous, narrow-necked bottle holding from 3 to 10 gallons of liquid, typically enclosed in a wicker cover. (Webster definition)

and the versatile Olive Bucket

For quite some time I have seen these dreamy decorative items shared both on Blogs and in magazines. And I have dreamed of owning my own some day.

That day arrived on Friday – my first day at the Country Living Fair.

My daughter and I strolled through the winding wooded lane looking at the awesome variety of treasures displayed by the vendors. I have great admiration for them – they do such a lovely job displaying – drawing you in….

But, I already had a destination in mind.

I waited until after lunch to share with my daughter that there were a couple of things I really wanted to pick up – she had an event to attend later that evening and I knew I needed her help.

So, swiftly we wound our way in the direction of the vendor I knew at least had one of the items I wanted – The Bread Bowl, I shared with you earlier this week. And the other item I hoped he had.

The demijohn…also known as dame jeanne or la bonbonne.

Demijohn Bottle History

I love the French language – things are either made feminine or masculine. I was so delighted to discover that the demijohn is made feminine in the French language – la bonbonne. These are large glass bottles meant to transport wine, oil or even molasses. Most of the time these bottles are either wrapped in wicker or crated. Their history dates back a very long time and there’s a romantic legend involving Queen Jeanne of Normandy. I love romantic legends.

Other names for the Demijohn:

• Demijohn
• la BonBonne
• Carboy

So, there she was tucked in the corner with some of her sisters.

I had quite the time choosing which one – long neck, short neck, slightly ribbed and one that was green. The vendor encouraged the green one saying it is harder to find…kind of wish I’d bought two now…but, I would not have been able to carry two home.

I chose this one with the ever so light green tinge and the slightly long neck.

I am quite satisfied.

Once chosen and purchased – we wound our way to the car…

Darling Daughter carrying la bonbonne and the Bread Dough Bowl. Dearest Darling Daughter valiantly followed as I happily made my way to and through the parking lot. Tired, heavy?! Pshaw – I was moved by joy! Those of you who went know it was very full and busy – so we had quite the treck to the car.

Once safely placed in the backseat of the car

we made our way casually through the vendors – beginning at the beginning. It was there I found the wire egg basket and rotating silverware basket…They’ll come in handy this Christmas!

There also were several olive buckets.

On that day, I passed on them thinking I’d have another chance next year.

But on the next day prior to meeting with my fellow Bloggers

I made my way back to that vendor, hoping to find an Olive Bucket…thinking I just couldn’t pass this up! There were none. I did find something that would make a great Christmas gift and got in line. As I was jovially talking with others in line, I noticed a couple girls looking at lovely scarves. I wasn’ vaguely interested thinking, ‘I could make that…’ then I saw it. At the edge of the booth holding several scarves was an Olive Bucket. My heart leapt and began to beat faster. I couldn’t leave my spot – nearly at the cashier, so I prayed, ‘don’t see it, don’t see it…’ to my fellow shoppers. When I reached the cashier I casually asked, ‘is that Olive Bucket holding the scarves for sale?’

Oh, yes…she replied.

I want it! Immediately I walked over and began to empty it of the scarves and the girl came over to help. Could anyone detect my inner laughter and glee?! I don’t know, but I do know afterwards I walked around with a very happy smile.

My joy that day was only to increase with two more finds….

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Collecting French Baskets

Country Living Fair Finds

French Rolling Pin and Dough Bowl

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