FOUR STAFFORDSHIRE PEARLWARE JUGS

LATE 18TH/EARLY 19TH CENTURY

Details

FOUR STAFFORDSHIRE PEARLWARE JUGS
Late 18th/early 19th century
Each of Pratt-type, the first moulded and decorated with a heart-shaped cartouche personifying 'Sportive Innocence.' and 'Mischievous Sport.', 5.7/8in. (15cm.) high; the second with a continuous scene illustrating 'The Grey Goose nursery rhyme' of Old Mother Slipper-Slopper releasing her savage dog as John watches pitchfork in hand, 5in. (13.2cm.) high; the third a full-bodied 'Shooting' jug moulded with a continuous hunting scene, 6in. (16.5cm.) high; and the last depicting a 'Gretna Green Marriage' ceremony, 6.7/8in. (14.8cm.) high (4)

Lot Essay

Gretna Green, a Scottish border village, was the destination for young lovers seeking clandestine matrimonial union in the early 18th century. Up until 1856 couples entering Scotland could circumvent English law, by eloping over the border. The present example depicts a blackmith witnessing this simple ceremony.