A Pratt ware bear jug and cover

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A Pratt ware bear jug and cover
allegorical of the Napoleonic Franco-British conflict, modelled as a bear-baiting group, the cover formed as the grinning bear's muzzled and collared head, the collar inscribed Boneys Friend(sic.) and Ill hug thee Boney, the spout modelled as a struggling monkey in military uniform of stiff collar, epaulettes and cocked hat to represent Napoleon clasped in the bear's paws, the hat inscribed BONEY, enriched overall in the typical palette -- 10in. (25.5cm.) high, circa 1800 (handle possibly broken and re-stuck, slight wear)

See front cover illustration

Lot Essay

C.f. John and Griselda Lewis, Pratt Ware, p.239, for an illustration of a similar example from the collection of the City of Manchester Art Galleries, which is dated at circa 1812. The similarities in modelling of the head, feet and arms should be noted as well as the Napoleonic reference. Both jugs are of a similar height, though the Manchester example is slightly smaller. John and Griselda Lewis also note that the cover probably served as a drinking cup.

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