Cologne pot with cloth and stone

The Cologne pot with cloth and weighting stone was an essential tool for preserving winter provisions through pickling and fermentation until the early 20th century (think sauerkraut and sliced green beans).

Key features:

The pot is recognizable by its distinctive grey-blue tint and blue decorations. A fresh linen cloth was placed over it, directly on the vegetables, to absorb dirt and surface mould. A heavy stone pressed a small wooden board down, keeping the vegetables permanently submerged in the brine. This pressure created an anaerobic (oxygen-free) environment, preventing spoilage and activating the lactic acid bacteria needed for fermentation. Around 1900, the pot fell out of use with the rise of glass preserving jars, refrigerators and freezers.

Scale: 1:12

Materials: My Cologne pots and stones are 3D-printed and hand-painted. The little pots are then finished with a cloth and weighting stone. Finally, they are coated with a special varnish for the perfect effect.