19th Century Transferware Puzzle Jug, English Elephant and Tiger Scene

This rare and decorative black on white transferware puzzle jug was produced in England during the 19th century. We have been collecting and retailing early ceramics for many years and this is one of the most interesting, and unusual, puzzle jugs we have seen.

Puzzle jugs were very fun, joke items! Often used in taverns and inns to entertain and amuse. The jug has hidden holes that are unseen to the uninitiated, one on the inside of the handle. the other to the base. The pourer covers the holes initially while pouring, however as soon as a finger is removed from the handle hole, liquid will spill out of the bottom hole!

The jug features two copies of the same detailed sporting scene from an Indian hunting series. We see a group of hunters on the banks of the river, one group riding an elephant and the other on horseback, chasing a Civet which is a type of cat native to India.

This really is an incredible item with so many elements to its design. Next we find the transfer printed initials reading ‘J. S.’

Below the initials we find the verse reading ‘He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved: Mark.16c.16v.’ This is the only example we can find of this religious verse use in pottery form.

Below the verse we find another verse, this example reading ‘May good attend, each honeft heart, and all who act, a generous part.’ Notice the ‘s’ in ‘honest’ is spelt as an ‘f’ this is old English, fascinating that this way of writing was still being used in the 1830s. We can only find the occasional use of this verse and surrounding rococo style border on children’s nursery ware plates. A very hard to find verse.

The jug also features an unusual applied pad mark modelled as the jug itself! This is the perfect item for anyone with a passion for early ceramics, particularly a collector of the rare and decorative pieces. This is a unique item. Please see our collection of 18th and 19th century art and antiques listed separately in our store.

Measuring: Width including handle 8 inch (20 cm) by height 9 inch (23 cm).

Condition: Chip to two of the upturned sections of handle. Small old chip to rim of jug.

ITEM ID:14839