Flow Blue Octagonal JUG "Japanese" Marked W. & B. c.1843

Pottery : Antique : Blue & White

 

I have received up to date correction on the reference below, from an expert in the field, and representing Lovers of Blue & White: The maker is Wood & Brownfield, active from 1837-1850. "Japanese" was introduced about 1843.

P.Williams was THE pioneer in recording transferware patterns, but she was not infallible. Petra Williams, in Flow Blue China: An Aid to Identification, Book I, p32, thinks this W. and B. stands for Wood and Baggaley, c. 1875. Wood & Bowers, 1839, also it, as well as Wood & Brownfield, 1841- 50. The mould is similar to the "Eastern Plants" also marked W. & B. To me, the flow blue and the pattern seems pre-1860, but one must bow to Ms. Williams expertise. The mark is on a scroll and very blurred, much more difficult to decipher than that found on "Eastern Plants".

Mid-size pitcher perhaps for water, measures 7" high; 5-3/4" from handle to spout; 8 vertical panels and octagonal foot base, slightly indented bottom.

There is a firing crack line underglaze (the fingernail does not catch in it) just down from the handle's thumb-rest (see picture) and an 1/16" crack just inside-the-pitcher where the handle was applied to the jug. The inside border pattern design appears to have been 'combed', definitely an in-the-making issue. There is rubbing wear on two of the outward jutting panel borders and 3 pin pricks in the body through the glaze. Nothing obvious here and beautiful cobalt blue transfers making a lovely over-all display piece. Please email if you have any questions or would like different views.

Item ID: FBP-5