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Lot Essay
Jugs of this type and date are known in English delftware, but are quite rare, slipware examples even more so. The only other recorded example from the Glaisher Collection is in the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge (museum no. C.234-1928), which was formerly in the Turner Collection at Atherstone.
A close comparison of the two cat jugs has revealed many similarities in terms of materials, form and decoration. The Fitzwilliam Museum cat is slightly smaller (5 ½ in.) than the present lot, as it has is has been modelled in a slightly squatter shape. Both are quite thinly potted, with bases which have been pushed slightly inwards, and the modelling of the paws is very similar. The Fitzwilliam Museum cat is decorated below the chin with a 'T', which Dr. Glaisher suggested may have stood for Thomas Toft. Whilst the present lot does not bear an initial, it has further similarities to the Glaisher cat, in particular the manner in which the tail and the haunches are delineated in slip, and the comma shaped motifs on each cheek. Both have a naïve charm that is comparable to that of the delftware cat jugs dating to the late 17th century and early 18th century.
A close comparison of the two cat jugs has revealed many similarities in terms of materials, form and decoration. The Fitzwilliam Museum cat is slightly smaller (5 ½ in.) than the present lot, as it has is has been modelled in a slightly squatter shape. Both are quite thinly potted, with bases which have been pushed slightly inwards, and the modelling of the paws is very similar. The Fitzwilliam Museum cat is decorated below the chin with a 'T', which Dr. Glaisher suggested may have stood for Thomas Toft. Whilst the present lot does not bear an initial, it has further similarities to the Glaisher cat, in particular the manner in which the tail and the haunches are delineated in slip, and the comma shaped motifs on each cheek. Both have a naïve charm that is comparable to that of the delftware cat jugs dating to the late 17th century and early 18th century.