Rare Antique ROYAL DOULTON & SLATER'S PATENT PITCHER c.1902, 21Cm Tall

Royal Doulton Slaters Patent Stoneware Jug / Pitcher 

Colours: gorgeous brown, blue and cream. 

Size: 21 cm H

10 cm bottom W

8 cm spout W

Marked ZX 3850, 1295 amongst other patent markings.

Condition: Preowned antique, some signs of use, no pewter lid which has been lost over the years - photo number 2 shows the clip edge where the lid used to be.

This antique lidded jug or pitcher, produced in Burslem, is of a style that was clearly popular at the turn of the twentieth century. However, although many may have survived, many have also lost their lids over the passage of time, and the style of decoration varies considerably and gilding - in particular - can be worn or rubbed.

This jug, which may have held hot water or milk, is c. 21 cm tall. The top 30% of the jug, together with the handle, has an attractive mottled blue/brown glaze. The remainder of the jug is decorated in the manner of Doulton’s Stater’s Patent, a technique whereby lace is pressed into the soft clay prior to firing, producing a characteristic pattern. It was one of several patented techniques devised by John Slater (1877 – 1914) who was Doulton’s Burslem Art Director from 1887.

The lace pattern on the body of the pitcher is decorated with large dahlia-style flower heads, some hand-painted in blue or white glaze on the beige ground, with the majority including some gilding or being fully gilded. All this decoration is in first-class condition.

The base of the pitcher is fully marked. The new Royal Doulton impressed mark was used between 1902 – 1932; the Slaters Patent impressed mark was used between 1886 – 1914. There is a painted Doulton number: ZX 3850 (1897 – 1902) together with various impressed or inscribed artists’ marks.

This is a fantastic, highly decorative antique jug or pitcher originating from the Doulton Burslem factory. The marks indicate that it is likely to be over 120 years old – and still looking as good as new.