Curious Blue Jug

I have a piece I found at my parents' place. It belonged to my step-dad's late mom, but beyond that I don't know much about it. I tried looking up the pattern, and the closest I got is to something called Adams Singapore Bird. However, this has absolutely no mark to speak of, and the hand painting is... not as delicate. I'm just curious about it, and whatever can be told.

Blue Jug Face Right by B.Stirling posted Mar 23, 2025 at 6:57 PM

Blue Jug Face Left by B.Stirling posted Mar 23, 2025 at 6:57 PM

Blue Jug Detail by B.Stirling posted Mar 24, 2025 at 9:40 AM

Blue Jug Bottom by B.Stirling posted Mar 23, 2025 at 6:57 PM

 

That face (lion?) on the side of the handle is curious. Is there one on the other side? The gothic revival age, so Google says is 1860 onwards, and the shape of your jug is gothic. Dunno the maker, but likely one of the Staffordshire factories

 

https://www.chairish.com/product/838966/antique-transferware-pitchers-set-of-3

Unfortunately, no information of note on this listing, but shows that your jug is one of a set of 3 graduated jugs.

 

No face on the other side, and no indicator that there was one and it broke. The only thing I've noticed is that it looks like the markings in some areas are rubbing off a bit. However, that might just be wear and tear.

 

I would call the decoration Japonism - influenced by Japanese design. That puts it late 19th C., 1870s-1880s is not out of line. Also more or less contemporary with the Aesthetic Movement in England. I don't think that's a lion - more of Noh mask (or inspired by similar). European make and probably English. Transfer printed with added hand coloring. The quality of the coloring can vary a lot.

 

English Ironstone Mid 19th century. Can't tell you the factory unfortunately.

 

Wow, thank you everyone for the insights. I won't lie I am really surprised; obviously because I know nothing on antique pottery or porcelain yet. However, my brain was thinking as I posted this, "they're probably just going to say it's a vintage piece from the 70s." I think it's the colours that had me in that mind set.

 

Even if we would, it is fine to post it anyway. If you don't know, we can usually help.

 

you've landed in the right place............

 

could the head be a thumb rest??

 

I agree with John on date and origin. So many factories copied each other.

 

You're quite right. As usual, all things Victorian can be a bit of a mish-mash. Gothic shape, but japonisme decoration. So, Japan opened to the West in 1863, IIRC, and the trend was well and truly on for Japanese style decoration. Also, there are no clear cut lines as to when one style came in and out of fashion.

 

American Commodore Perry invaded the Bay of Edo (Tokyo) in 1853 and forced the Shogun to sign a treaty (of Kanagawa?). Before 1853 the West could only acquire Japanese goods through the Dutch, who for over two centuries were the only Westerners allowed to trade with Japan.

 

I love the mini history lesson I am getting from you guys!

 

We are nothing..... if not thorough !

That'll be $ 29.95 please ! .............. Bawhahaha!!!!!

 

Ah, thank you AnyJewelry for the correction. I didn't know that the Dutch were the only Western traders. Cool.

 

This is an interesting read:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dejima

 

Thanks! A bit of history that I didn't know. (I read James Clavell's Shogun when I was young and that served as my Japanese history for many years, LOL!)

 

Oh, Richard Chamberlain…..