Nottingham brown stoneware saltglaze bear jug mid 18th century

Dated: 1750 Nottingham England

The jug is naively formed as the body of a bear, the fur represented by small shards of applied clay known as grog. The head is a detachable cover that can be used as a cup. The snout is unusually pierced with a single hole at one side. The glaze is a classic Nottingham lustrous brown salt-glaze. The bear is seated upright, hugging a sporting dog in its applied strap-like forelegs. These pieces are often associated with tavern society, where bear-baiting events were staged. The "sport" was banned in 1835. A similar example can be found in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, England, accession reference: 3690&A-1901

Dimensions: 9.25 inches high

Current Condition: Restored to a minor chip at the rim and at the toe on the right foot. The dogs head is re-attached and an ear restored. The cover has a section re-attached and there is some minor chipping.

Literature: A similar bear is illustrated on the front cover of a reference work from the Nottingham City Museums and Galleries titled Nottingham Salt-Glazed Stoneware 1690-1800 by Henstock, Hildyard md Wood

£4650    $6277