Obconical Milk Jug, A. & E. Keeling (Factory X), hardpaste porcelain, c.1795

This Keeling (Factory X) jug is decorated in the popular enamelled kiwi fruit pattern. The left side of the jug is painted with a rose and floret spray above which is painted an undulating red dotted line and a thin floral line. The opposite side is painted with floral sprigs. The inside border consists of a magenta line. The characteristic thumbrest is painted with a magenta line.

The pattern number 218 is painted on the base in red.

The jug shows clear evidence of Keeling's experimental manufacturing methods, with an underglaze firing crack to the interior, and bubbling to the enamel decoration near the spout. There is also a glazed fault to the lower handle terminal. These firing flaws occured during the various stages of production, and provide plenty of information on the conditions and trials faced by the pioneers in early English porcelain manufacture.

Condition: Very Good - no chips, cracks or restoration. The enamel floral decoration is fresh and bright.

Dimensions: Height 4 3/4" (12cm)

David Holgate, New Hall & Its Imitators (Faber, 1971).

Michael Berthoud, A Cabinet of British Creamers (Micawber Publications, 1999).