Beswick Trentham Ware Ceramic Jug No. 654 with Fox and Squirrel Motif

This is a highly attractive example of a large decorative jug by Beswick dating to the 1930s.

The jug has a rounded body with a flared rim, which has the appearance of having been pinched in to form a spout. The handle is relatively short, extending down to just below the shoulder. The design is very eye-catching, although somewhat crude. The leaves, trees, flowers and animals are all moulded in relief and painted in different colour glazes. The jug depicts a fox sitting patiently at the foot of a tree, in which sits a squirrel. This design is only on one side of the jug.

There is a flat foot, the underneath of which is impressed with the words ‘MADE IN ENGLAND’ and the number ‘654’. There is also a hand-incised letter ‘W’ or ‘M’ which extends onto the foot.

It has a maximum height of approximately 24.3cm and a diameter across the base of about 10.2cm.

It has an unwrapped weight of 1100g.

It is in good condition, although there is minor crazing to the glaze all over. This crazing has meant that a few flakes of glaze have come loose from the edge of the handle, which can be seen in the pictures. This wear is reflected in the price.