Antique French Porcelain Pitcher Hand Painted Empire Period, Circa 1815

This massive and rare pitcher is fully decorated with the imagery and symbols of the Masons and Odd Fellows (see images). Odd Fellows promote philanthropy, the ethic of reciprocity, and charity. At the front of the pitcher, we see a panel with the words, "We are odd Fellows When we act and Do the thing which is Right." Around this panel are the words "How grand in Age How fair in Youth is Holly Friendship, Love and Truth." Above the panel is an open palm with a heart symbolic of charity given from the heart. On both sides of the pitcher is the motto, "Amicitia Amor et Veritas," which translates to Friendship, Love, and Truth.  The motto is accompanied by an image of Lady Justice and an angel holding a budding branch. Lady Justice personifies morality in judicial systems. The budding branch symbolizes the idea that truth can "draw freshness and verdure" from the "most barren facts and common things in life" and give them life and interest. Above all of this is a shining sun. As the sun shines on us all, it symbolizes impartiality in the benevolence of the Odd Fellows.  Dimensions: 9.75" tall x 8.25" diameter Condition: Very Good, with a little scratching, particularly to the lustered leaves, flowers, and the lustered top edge. Price: $1200 Masonry refers to fraternal organizations that trace their origins to the local guilds of stonemasons that, from the end of the 14th century, regulated the qualifications of stonemasons and their interaction with authorities and clients. Many Freemasons trace the roots of the craft further back in history, accepting the Knights Templar as the conduit between the ancient mysteries and the beginnings of operative and speculative Freemasonry. Odd Fellows is an international fraternity consisting of lodges first documented in 1730 in London. The first known lodge was Loyal Aristarcus Lodge No. 9, suggesting earlier ones in the 18th century. Notwithstanding, convivial meetings were held "in much revelry and, often as not, the calling of the Watch to restore order. Names of several British pubs...

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