Code: FA1508
A first period Worcester porcelain blue and white sparrow beak cream jug printed with a rare combination of landscape patterns. The main pattern is the leading side of The Circled Landscape with a viaduct type bridge with a small structure on top, a house on the river bank and a small boat in the foreground. On the other side within the same patterned border is a scene loosely based seemingly on a mash up of some of the features of the European Landscape Group but not taken from those engravings, differing designs of similar features.
It is set against a main river backdrop which is not found in these landscapes. To the right is a windmill with a house and tree to the left of it, but clearly a different design from the similar arrangement found in this group. There is a sailing boat to the left which is similar to one found in another scene of the European Landscape Group and another rowing boat in the foreground which doesn't appear in other scenes along with other details of the landscape, buildings etc. I can find no record of this specific pattern.
The frieze around the vignettes is repeated inside the rim with two further small landscape scenes. Grooved strap handle. c. 1780.
It measures 8.9cm (3 1/2") high, 8.5cm (3 3/8") spout to handle and 7cm (2 3/4") wide.
In very good condition with two chips to the foot, one more to the outside but clean. No other damage, repair or restoration. The spout is fine but with an underglaze ding near the tip. No firing lines. Minimal handling wear.
References: Worcester Blue & White Porcelain, Branyan, French & Sandon, sections II.B.15 and II.B.16. The opposing pattern on other examples of The Circled Landscape is well documented as being another bridge scene illustrated in "An Introduction To English Blue & White Porcelains" by Godden, entries 138 and 141, pg. 66-67 and a further example on pg 68, and Caughley & Worcester Porcelains by Godden, plates 249 and 234. Example tea bowl & saucer in the V&A.
