Skip to main content
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 14

Glazed Stoneware English Caricature Jug In The Shape Of An Old Man, 20th Century

$332.08
£249.59
€280
CA$460.10
A$500.11
CHF 267.72
MX$6,045.18
NOK 3,373.76
SEK 3,111.49
DKK 2,132.98

About the Item

Caricature jug in the shape of an old man with a hat Origin: England (Staffordshire or Devon, attributed) Material: Glazed stoneware Date: Mid-20th century (approx. 1940–1960) Dimensions: H × D: approx. 12 × 13 cm Description: Figuratively modeled jug made of glazed stoneware in the shape of a male head with characteristically exaggerated features. The spout is also part of the wide-brimmed black hat, while the handle is shaped like a curved walking stick with a black cap. The facial features are exaggerated: pointed nose, deep-set, alert eyes, sunken cheeks, furrowed brow. Painted in bold colors in shades of green, brown, and skin tones, with a transparent glossy overglaze. Clearly modeled hair on the back, the hat is sculpted all around. Yellowish glaze on the inside, the bottom is unglazed. Interesting facts: Such humorous, caricatured jugs enjoyed great popularity in the English ceramic tradition of the 20th century. The design language is reminiscent of the famous Toby Jugs or Character Jugs produced by Royal Doulton, which were mass-produced from the 1930s onwards. They often depict eccentric or folk figures – drinkers, sailors, judges or even mischievous old women – and served both as utility ware and as collector's items. The present jug follows this tradition in form and style, but is simpler in execution, suggesting later or regional production. Condition: Slight signs of age, some minor chips on the rim and glaze abrasion on raised areas. No visible cracks or chips.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 4.73 in (12 cm)Diameter: 5.12 in (13 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Stoneware,Glazed
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1920-1950
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Slight signs of age, some minor chips on the rim and glaze abrasion on raised areas. No visible cracks or chips.
  • Seller Location:
    Greven, DE
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU5419245899682

More From This Seller

View All
Antique Ceramic Porcelain German Lidded Beer Stein Jug Villeroy Boch
By Villeroy Boch
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Ceramic Porcelain German Lidded Beer Stein Jug Villeroy & Boch German Ceramic, Pewter, Porcelain c. 1900 Dimensions: H x D: 16cm x 13cm This superb beer stein was crafte...
Category

Early 20th Century German Ceramics

Materials

Pewter

Antique German Lidded Blue Glazed Earthenware Beer Stein Jug Merkelbach Wick
By Merkelbach
Located in Greven, DE
Antique German Lidded Blue Glazed Earthenware Beer Stein Jug Merkelbach Wick German Earthenware, Metal c. 1900 Dimensions: H x D: 18.5cm x 13.5cm This fine beer stein was made by Merkelbach Wick, a German stoneware factory based in Grenzhausen. Founded around 1872–1873 by Friedrich Wilhelm Merkelbach II and Georg Peter Wick, the firm became known for its fine earthenware and, from the early 1880s onward, its ivory stoneware, which blended traditional craftsmanship with emerging artistic styles. Their creations gained particular popularity in North America, with roughly half of their production exported there by the late 19th century. Merkelbach Wick’s beer steins were especially notable: many 19th and early 20th century pub steins, including those produced for major breweries, were crafted in salt-glazed or ivory stoneware and often bore the distinctive ‘M W Gr.’ impressed seal - such as the one on this example - making them highly prized by collectors today. Crafted from earthenware, this stein features moulded high-relief decoration encircling the entire body. Various geometric borders frame a central band filled with naturalistic and mythological motifs. Oval cartouches contain classical busts, while the spaces between them depict centaurs, symbolising the duality of human nature and the tension between intellect and instinct. The deep blue glaze accentuates the raised decoration while allowing parts of the ivory-coloured earthenware to remain visible for contrast. The prominent earthenware handle is decorated in the same style as the body, and the vessel is topped with a hinged metal lid. Its generously sized thumb lever allows the drinker to comfortably raise the lid, and the top is inset with a beautifully modelled earthenware panel. On the base remains the original Merkelbach Wick label, highlighting the firm's international reach with branches in Philadelphia, Vienna, and Munich. The earthenware is also impressed with their ‘M W Gr.’ mark, used between c. 1879 and 1921. With its detailed design and superb craftsmanship from a renowned manufacturer, this antique stein...
Category

Early 20th Century German Ceramics

Materials

Metal

German Antique Late 19th Century Lidded Glass Jug Beer Stein Porcelain Pewter
Located in Greven, DE
German Antique Late 19th Century Lidded Glass Jug Beer Stein Porcelain Pewter German Glass, Pewter, Porcelain Late 19th Century Dimensions: H x D x W: 17cm x 14.5cm Crafted in ...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century German Glass

Materials

Pewter

Large French Jug, Moorish Style, Stamped "Mauresque Longchamp", Vase
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful large ceramic jug in a moorish style, France, circa 1880. Stamped at the bottom "Mauresque Longchamp".
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Moorish Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Porcelain Sugarpot, Sugar Bowl, Stamped by Cortendorf, Germany
By Cortendorf
Located in Greven, DE
Antique porcelain sugar pot by Cortendorf Manufacture, founded 1890 by Julius Griesbach senior in Coburg-Cortendorf, Germany. This lovely sugarbowl consists of a lid which is beauti...
Category

Early 20th Century German Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Traditional German Lidded Glass Jug Beer Stein Pewter Porcelain
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Traditional German Lidded Glass Jug Beer Stein Pewter Porcelain German Glass, Pewter, Porcelain Late 19th Century Dimensions: H x D: 18cm x 14cm Crafted in the late 19th century, this German beer stein exemplifies the enduring tradition of the classic drinking vessel. Beer steins originated in 14th century Germany, when new sanitation laws required beverage containers to have lids to prevent contamination. This led to the creation of the lidded stoneware mug with a thumb lever for ease of use, eventually known as the beer stein. From the 16th to the 18th centuries, German artisans refined the craft, producing beautifully decorated examples made from stoneware, pewter, glass and porcelain. By the 19th century, beer steins had become both practical drinking vessels and artistic expressions of German culture, often featuring intricate reliefs and regional or historical themes. Their popularity spread throughout Europe, reflecting not only the rich brewing traditions but also the artistry and craftsmanship of the era. The present example features a glass body adorned with circular cut facets throughout. Its bulbous handle provides a comfortable grip and is topped with a pewter lid. The lid’s porcelain plaque displays a transfer-printed scene depicting a man standing on the edge of a cliff with a rifle, gazing towards his hunted prey. Scenes such as this were popular at the time, emphasizing German pride and the fine craftsmanship for which these steins became renowned. The thumb lever, cast in the form of a mask surrounded by scrolling motifs, is generously sized to make lifting the lid effortless. With its intricate porcelain plaque and finely faceted glass body, this antique stein...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century German Glass

Materials

Pewter

You May Also Like

Quality Antique Victorian Staffordshire toby jug of Mr Snuff
Located in Ipswich, GB
Quality antique Victorian Staffordshire toby jug of Mr Snuff having a quality Victorian toby jug of Mr Snuff in wonderful period clothing in pu...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Victorian Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

19th Century Staffordshire Toby Jug
Located in High Point, NC
19th century ceramic Toby jug from the Staffordshire region of England. He has a blue jacket and a warm expression on his face. The jug has copper lustre accents as well for added ...
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Pitchers

Materials

Ceramic

Antique English Copeland Late Spode Toby Jug Pitcher Colonial Englishman
By Copeland Spode
Located in Dayton, OH
19th century Copland Late Spode English Staffordshire rare porcelain toby jug in the shape of asdeated colonial Englishman holding a cup and pitcher. 180288...
Category

Antique 19th Century Federal Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Early 20th century French Sarreguemines Earthenware Pitcher, 1900s
By Sarreguemines
Located in LEGNY, FR
Original faience pitcher dating from the early 20th century, made by the Sarreguemines factory, depicting a man’s head with expressive and caricatured features. This type of humorous...
Category

20th Century French Pitchers

Materials

Earthenware

Antique English Staffordshire Pottery Toby Jug with Tricorn Hat Lid
By Staffordshire
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Staffordshire pottery Toby Jug. In the form of a seated, smiling man holding a jug. The man's tricorn hat serves as a lid, and an inte...
Category

Antique 19th Century English Georgian Pitchers

Materials

Pottery

Antique Victorian Staffordshire Toby Jug
Located in Ipswich, GB
Antique Victorian Staffordshire Toby Jug having a quality Victorian Staffordshire toby jug of a man in wonderful period clothing in red, pink, ...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Victorian Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic