Perry-Joyce Fine Arts

Victorian 19th Century Bargeware Jug

$295

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The dark brown glazed earthenware pottery we now call barge ware was originally known as Motto Ware, and then Measham Ware, after the clay-rich area which had been producing pottery since the 13th century. The earliest pieces of this type date to 1870, with production ended by the beginning of the first World War.

The inclusion of the word, “barge,” came after it became popular with people living and working on the canal passing through the town of Measham. Passing barges, it is said, would order pottery from Mrs. Annie Bonas’ shop on Measham High Street (close to the town’s canal bridge) and collect it on their return journey after having it personalized with names and dates. Teapots were the favored items, but bowls, jugs and jars were also made.

Measham ware was a form of treacle ware that featured appliqued white sprigs decorated with flowers, foliage, fruit and birds in bright red, blue and green on-glaze coloring oxides. Teapots usually had either acorn tops or even miniature second teapots as finials, as with this example. Today, the Measham Museum has a large collection of the ware. London’s Victoria and Albert Museum has an example on display.

Because barge ware was made with a high percentage of clay, even after firing pieces often chipped. Therefore, it is challenging to find good examples without showing their age; that is, without chips from use. This wonderful example has some pretty motifs in relief and exceptionally charming motto that says: “Serve Me Well, I’ll Soon Come Back.” It’s always nice to find an adorable motto on this type of piece.

The jug was designed with a wide border of white flowers with green centers on top, as well as a similar but wider border on the bottom. All the flowers were embossed on both top and bottom, with only several painted. Beneath the motto is a large bouquet of flowers also painted out in white and green. On each side of the motto plaque is a tall group of leaves painted out in green and white, connecting the top and bottom borders. Each border is edged with an attractive row of embossed beads. There are also several other floral groups on each side of the jug. I especially like the single white and green flower on the handle’s thumb rest.

This jug has a deep brown color and is highly glazed. The glaze gives off a shiny glow. The inside was painted the same brown and glazed as well.

This is a very handsome example of this type of hand-finished pottery. A pretty bouquet of flowers would look enchanting in it.

The condition is superb for its age and use. There is absolutely nothing to remark upon. No doubt it was kept in a cupboard for much of its life. It certainly would be a welcome addition to any barge ware collection or on its own.

It measures about 8 inches high and it is 7 inches from the spout to the edge of the handle.
Item id: PJR-1874
Item type: Antique