Charming early Delftware pottery pitcher, hand-painted in classic cobalt blue on a pale tin-glazed ground, featuring pastoral scenes with figures, rockery, and foliage in Chinese style, typical of early Delftware. The bulbous body tapers into a slender neck, fitted with its original pewter-mounted hinged lid topped by a scallop shell thumbpiece.

The handle is decorated with painted heart or leaf motifs, and the underside shows expected wear from age. These lidded jugs were often used for ale or wine in Dutch taverns and homes, and surviving examples with their lids intact are increasingly rare. Shows attractive age-related craquelure and retains its original pewter-mounted lid in working order. There are visible old repairs around the lower body and base — likely done by a previous owner rather than a professional — but they are stable and do not affect display or handling. Wear consistent with age and use throughout.

Period:  18th century

Provenance:  Holland

Materials:  Tin-glazed earthenware, pewter

Manufacturer:  Unknown

Dimensions: 9H x 5.5W x 4.3D in | 23H x 14W x 11D cm