Vintage Gray’s Pottery hand-painted copper lustre pitcher/jug, made in Stoke-on- For Sale

sale DescriptionBeautiful and unusual antique British copper-lustre pottery pitcher/jug, dating to the early-to-mid 19th century, approximately 1830–1850.This striking pitcher features an elaborate molded body covered in brilliant metallic copper lustre, with deeply molded Rococo-style scrollwork, an ornate scrolling handle, shaped pouring spout and decorative shell-and-scroll foot.The most distinctive feature is the pair of large circular transfer-printed medallions decorating opposite sides.One side depicts a woman with children in a landscape and is clearly titled “Charity.” This allegorical subject is known on early 19th-century British lustreware.The opposite side features an especially unusual clock/watch-face design, printed in a rich pink-purple color. The dial includes Roman numerals, decorative clock hands, a small subsidiary dial and a cartouche that appears to contain the number “5678.” The clock face is decorative and is part of the original transfer-printed ceramic design.The combination of the elaborate molded form, extensive copper lustre, Charity scene and clock-face medallion makes this a particularly interesting example of early British lustreware.Measurements: Approximately 6½” high to the top of the handle; 6” high at the spout; 5 1/16” high to the opening; and approximately 2½” across the opening.Condition: Good antique condition considering its considerable age. There is age-related crazing visible in the glazed transfer-printed medallions, along with expected wear, rubbing and variation to the copper-lustre finish, particularly around the rim/spout and other raised areas. The underside and foot show expected age and use. No obvious major crack, broken handle or large restoration has been identified from visual inspection. Please examine all photographs carefully for the most complete representation of condition.The pitcher is unmarked, and the exact pottery or manufacturing center has not been definitively identified. Similar copper-lustre Charity wares were produced by several British pottery centers during the first half of the 19th century; therefore, this piece is conservatively described as British/English copper lustre, circa 1830–1850 rather than attributed to a specific manufacturer.A wonderful display piece for a collection of early English pottery, copper lustreware, transferware, Staffordshire/Sunderland-area ceramics or 19th-century decorative arts