Nottingham stoneware pottery brown saltglaze jug in the form of a bear with detachable head mid 18th century England

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£4650

Dated: 1775 Nottingham England

A rare Nottingham Pottery brown saltglazed novelty bear jug, the head removable and possibly used as a cup. This classic piece from the Nottingham Pottery has a lustrous glaze applied with grog ( previously fired small clay chips) to simulate fur. These figures were inspired by the cruel so called sport of bear baiting where the beast would be chained to a post to fight with savage dogs. Thankfully this cruelty was banned in Britain in 1835. Today these pieces are considered as an artistic folk art statement thanks to their vibrant potting with unique primitive appeal.

Dimensions: 10 inches high, 6 inches wide, 6.5 inches long

Current Condition: Minor restoration to cracks at rim of cup and part of chain.

Literature: Page 64 and 65 Chapter 6, Nottingham Salt-glazed Stoneware 1690-1800 published by the Nottingham City Museums and Galleries.( note the front cover page of this excellent publication illustrates an almost identical bear).

£4650    $6277

Description

A rare Nottingham Pottery brown saltglazed novelty bear jug, the head removable and possibly used as a cup. This classic piece from the Nottingham Pottery has a lustrous glaze applied with grog ( previously fired small clay chips) to simulate fur. These figures were inspired by the cruel so called sport of bear baiting where the beast would be chained to a post to fight with savage dogs.
Thankfully this cruelty was banned in Britain in 1835. Today these pieces are considered as an artistic folk art statement thanks to their vibrant potting with unique primitive appeal.

Additional information

Dimensions 6.5 × 6 × 10 in