Rare Child's Polychrome Transfer Jug ~ JOHN KATE & LUCY

~ JOHN KATE & LUCY ~

Staffordshire England 1840

This spectacular toy transferware cream pitcher or milk jug dates to around 1840. The little jug was probably made as a christening gift, though it may have been part of an early children's teaset. The tiny earthenware jug stands just 2" tall with a bulbous body and applied handle.

It is transfer printed in a red ochre , sort of a brick red or reddish brown, hand embellished with wisps of blue, green, and red enamel paint over the glaze, and pearlware glaze. What sets this little piece apart is the extraordinary decoration of three children -- possibly triplets -- named John, Kate, and Lucy. The illustration is incredibly detailed for its minitiature size, showing the children playing with lawn bowls in the garden.

The jug is unmarked except for a hand painted dot of green enamel paint, probably a decorators' mark. It was more than likely made by one of the pottery manufactories in the Staffordshire region of England, or possibly another potting region in the northern part of England, up around Sunderland. Named cups, plates, and jugs like this were made as christening gifts, rewards of merits and special gifts for good children, to aid in their education and moral upbringing.

This little piece is in impeccable condition, with no chips, cracks, stains or repairs. It is finely potted and the transfers were printed with great deal of attention to detail. This excellent little pitcher, with very are decoration, is a must-have for any advanced collection.

Item ID: AA804