Rare Brown stoneware saltglaze bear jug Nottingham circa 1750

Dated: 1750 Nottingham

This is a Nottingham Brown Salt-Glaze Bear Jug and Cover from the mid-18th century. The piece is naturalistically modeled with shredded applied clay (grog) and a chain through a muzzle. The bear is holding a dog in its grasp. The cover, in the form of the bear's head, can be used as a cup. These pieces are often associated with tavern society, where bear-baiting events were staged. The "sport" was banned in 1835. A similar example is in the Victoria and Albert Museum London England accession ref. 3690&A-1901

Dimensions: 10 inches high

Current Condition: Professionally restored at rim-collar and foot.

Provenance: Collection of the late Stanley J.Seeger Collection.

Literature: Nottingham Salt-Glaze Stoneware 1690-1800 published by Nottingham City Museum and Galleries. Currently with a gentleman Collector in Hertfordshire England

£4400    $5940