An 18th Century Creamware Dolphin Head Mask Jug

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...

This elegant Wedgwood charger was made in England in the late 18th century, circa 1785. Crafted from creamware, the charger features a meticulously painted geometric border composed of orange and black flowerheads set within a lattice of fine black lines. Each flowerhead is centered in a diamond-shaped cell, creating a repeating pattern that radiates rhythm and precision. The inner field is left undecorated, emphasizing the clean form and enhancing the visual impact of the border. The simplicity of the cream-colored ground paired with the precise hand-painting along the rim reflects the neoclassical restraint and balance that defined Wedgwood’s aesthetic...

This special edition Wedgwood ale jug is decorated in Egyptian Revival style, showing a sphinx to either side of a firebird in flight. The material is Wedwood's Black Basalt stonewar...

This rare and charming pair of 18th-century French creamware lions was made circa 1790. Each lion reclines atop a tall rectangular base decorated with rich cobalt-blue swags, bright yellow tassels, and vivid green trim. The forms are bold and expressive. The lions' open mouths are painted in soft pink, and their manes are rendered in vibrant yellow and lined with dark brown, lending them an animated, almost theatrical presence. The lions rest on what appear to be stylized, draped cushions, adding a sense of comfort and reality. Their wide-eyed expressions and exaggerated features give the pair a whimsical character that blends elegance with humor—a hallmark of late 18th-century French design. Unmarked but unmistakably French in style, these figures make a striking decorative statement. Whether placed on a mantel or console, they command attention and offer a playful counterpoint to more serious classical forms. Dimensions: 6.5 inches tall x 6.75 inches long x 4.5 inches wide Condition: Excellent Price: $2,300 Decoration: Painted in yellow, cobalt, green, pink, and brown with molded drapery and tassel detail Material: Creamware pottery Style: French Neoclassical with Folk Art elements Origin: France Date: Circa 1790 Key Features - Rare pair of large 18th-century creamware lion figures - Expressive hand-painted decoration with bold color contrasts - Tall bases decorated with molded and painted swags and tassels - French origin, circa 1790 - Whimsical and animated expressions add charm and visual interest Background of creamware Creamware is the name given to a type of earthenware pottery initially made from white clays from Dorset and Devonshire combined with an amount of calcined flint. Creamware was first produced in England sometime before 1740. Foremost among the pioneers of creamware in the Staffordshire Potteries was Thomas Whieldon. The young Josiah Wedgwood partnered with Thomas Whieldon from 1754 to 1759. When Wedgwood left to set up his own business, he immediately directed his efforts to developing creamware. Around the same time, in the mid-18th century, French potters developed their creamware known in France as "Faience Fine...

18th Century Staffordshire Creamware Cauliflower Ware Milk Jug and Cover, Probably by William Greatbach/ Josiah Wedgwood Lead-glazed earthenware, Circa 1765 The creamware milk jug ...

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Beautiful German faience jug from one of the Northern German factories.