Victorian Large Novelty Barrel-Shaped Jug with Majolica Glaze c.1895-1900

This is a charming example of a novelty ceramic jug or pitcher in the style of a wooden barrel, made in England and dating to the end of the 19th century.

The jug is moulded in the style of a wooden barrel, with three circumferential hoops below the rim and above the base. The large spout is drawn out from the rim. There is a broad angular handle with a thumb support at the top to help when pouring and lifting.

The interior and top third of the exterior are glazed in a dark green shade. This then merges with the light brown glaze that extends down to the base.

The latter is unglazed around the rim, with a small patch of brown glaze in the centre. It has been incised by hand with the word ‘ENGLAND’.

The introduction of the American McKinley Tariff of 1890 meant that items would have to be marked with their country of origin to ensure they could be taxed accordingly if they were exported. The addition of the word ‘ENGLAND’ to ceramics dates items from 1891 onwards. However, the phrase ‘MADE IN ENGLAND’ was introduced in the early 20th century. 

The jug has a height of approximately 18.4cm, with a diameter across the rim of about 10.4cm and across the base of about 10.8cm.

It has an unwrapped weight of 860g.

It is in excellent condition, with no chips or cracks, although, as it has been crudely made, there are a few manufacturing flaws. The base is roughly finished, and there is a slight dent in the body, which has some scratches under the glaze (see pictures). There is also some crazing to the glaze, which is to be expected given the age of the piece.