This jug is an early example of pottery used in advertising. Bears Grease was a hair restoring ointment, originally made from bear fat.

Vintage Reproduction of Pearlware Staffordshire Bear Baiting Jug With Dog "Bears Grease" Muzzled and Chained Bear Description: This is a modern, although vintage reproduction depicting an antique Pearlware Staffordshire Bear Baiting Lidded Advertising Jug With Mastiff Dog .

The original piece dates back to the eighteenth century circa 1750. The original's head served as a cup when you pour from the jug through the dog's mouth. This one still pours through the dog's mouth, but also through two steam holes on either side of the bear's tongue.

The bear is chained from his collar to the grassy platform beneath his feet. He wears a yellow muzzle which is also latched around his neck. A yellow ribbon goes down his back reading "Bears Grease". The Jug is unmarked and I do not have any reference as to when this modern era reproduction was made.

These are scarce to come by, and often end up in antique auctions even though they are not eighteenth century originals. I have seen these being offered for thousands of dollars, but that price is never realized. He measures 11.25 inches high at the tip of his ears. The base is 6.75 inches deep by 5 inches wide. Definitely a unique and beautiful piece.

Condition: He is in beautiful condition. There are no chips or cracks. Tape was added to the bottom to protect the furniture.

This has no damage or wear of any type; the chain from his neck is in tact. There is however visible fine crazing on the clear glazed areas on the dog, the base and inside the head and jug body. Under magnification, you can also detect crazing in the yellow glazed areas and smaller patches of crazing on the green glazed handle.

A fantastic and unique collectible piece!