Saltglaze stoneware bear baiting jug English mid 18th century

Dated: 1745 to 1755 Nottingham or Staffordshire England

The pitcher is modeled in the form of a muzzled bear baited by a large fighting dog and made at the time this barbaric sport was popular in England in the mid 18th century. The coat made of granules of white grog stoneware with brown slip at the eyes, ears and the muzzle. The removable bear's head is made in the form of a cup. Various versions of this theme were produced in Nottingham and Staffordshire in the 18th century, the detailed modeling and condition make this an exceptional example. The " sport of Bear baiting" was popular from Elizabethan times until it was finally banned in the early 19th century  

Dimensions: 8.5 inches high

Current Condition: Good condition.

Provenance: Zimmerman Collection.

Literature: White Glazed Stoneware of the British Isles by Edwards and Hampson

£7750    $10462