This unglazed Parian porcelain cream jug measures 3.5 inches high and is decorated with a molded relief design of water nymphs. Although I believe it was made in the mid-1800s, it has a later Art Nouveau feel to it. It is marked on the underside with the incised number 463.
There’s no doubt this is a lovey little jug, but it would be nothing without its ornate replacement handle, added after the original broke off. Typically I find small jugs such as this with simple metal tinker-make handles, so I was surprised to see such a fancy replacement. I appreciate the ingenuity of the repairer for attaching the top part of the new handle over the remains of the broken original and adding a band around the base, rather than drilling though the jug. Even though the original handle was much smaller than the replacement (see last photo), I much prefer the juxtaposition of the two material mashed up together on my unique jug.
Here’s an example of the jug with its original handle intact.
Photo courtesy of eBay
Tags: metal handle, Parian, porcelain
I think thats a depiction of Leda and The Swan on the creamer and the really nice handle has a sea creature feel to me..Thanks for the post…J
The original handle is very nice, but I often prefer the replacement and marvel at the craftsmanship.
A doubly charming item! a very suitable repair which actually adds to the value of the whole! For the owner to have sought out such a qualified repair shows the affection held for the damaged jug! such a simple yet tasteful depiction of the Niads! Yes indeed I too would have gone to lengths to retain the jug in use .Very human