A Worcester Milk Jug, circa 1765
This Worcester milk jug is painted in overglaze enamels and gilt with European floral sprays and sprigs in which two pink roses are especially prominent. The style of flower painting, the butterfly with wings on the upbeat, and the red and gilt chain border all represent the type of decoration found on some Chinese export wares of the period. Plain loop handle.
This style of painting accompanied Worcester teawares of the period 1758-65, where teapots had pointed finials, prior to the introduction of the ‘flower’ knop.
Unmarked.
Condition: Good – no cracks or restoration. The jug originally would have had a cover, as can be seen from the gilt line rim surrounding the beak. This is the only section of the rim to have been decorated in this way, as it would have been the only visible part once the cover was in place. There is a little kiln dust to the interior and a frit to the gilt line rim.
Dimensions: Height 9 cm
Worcester Porcelain 1751-1790: The Zorensky Collection, Simon Spero & John Sandon (Antique Collectors’ Club, 1996).