Small treacleware octagonal jug with crabstock handle, attributed to Swansea.

A small treacleware moulded jug of octagonal form. Pale cream buff coloured clay body with brown ‘Rockingham’ type glaze. It has a crabstock moulded handle. The base is almost flat with only a slightly recessed center and an un-glazed foot ring.

The body and neck are moulded with ‘sprigs’ (not applied) of flowers, leaves and fruit.

A clear-glazed enamelled white-ware version of this jug, with the same moulding, is illustrated in ‘The Pottery and Porcelain of Swansea and Nantgarw’ by E. Morton Nance, (1985), pl.LXVII, and attributed to Swansea c.1831-1850. The treacleware versions are scarce and are considered to be a Swansea product. No marks.

This is the same shape as the so-called “Hydra” jugs, which are apparently so named because of their mythical animal form handle (Hydra).

Pot ID: AP/886
Dimensions: 127 mm highest to top of spout.
Net Weight (grams): 351
Date: c.1831-1850

Condition Report:
There is a short 5cm hairline from rim on obverse side. Minor chipping and edge wear around the rim. The glaze appears to be slightly over fired.