Early Childs Mug FEEDING PIGS Staffordshire Folk Art c1850 Polychome

Early 4-Color Staffordshire Childs Transferware Nursery Mug
PIG FEEDING

Staffordshire England c. 1850

This whimsical little child's transfer printed soft paste mug dates to 1850. The diminutive piece stands 2 1/2" tall by 3" wide with an applied loop handle and a shaped turned base.

It is transfer printed in a polychrome palette of primary colors red, green blue and yellow, finished with pearlware glaze. It features a naïve image of a farm boy feeding pigs while another child watches from outside the gate. Naively depicted with a childlike simplicity and sloppy color. The cup was made in the Staffordshire region of England in the 1850s. It is unmarked. Images of pigs hogs and sows are extremely uncommon in Staffordshire transferwares, and also highly sought after. The illustration was probably originally found as engravings in an early childrens alphabet primer book from the 1820s. Mugs and plates like this were made as gifts for good children and rewards of merit, used to aid in children's education and to encourage their imaginations in the 19th century.

The mug is in very good condition with a tight line at the base of the handle and no other chips cracks or repairs. Minor manufacturing imperfections typical of the period, original to the making and adding to the unique charm of these early folk art children's wares. Light overall glaze crazing and minor patina consistent with age. It is amazing that this little piece was made for a child so long ago! Offered as is.

Children's early mugs of this quality are quite scarce and highly sought after especially in such great condition. The image is delightful, a throwback to a much simpler time. The cup will make a great addition to your collection of children's dishes. A lovely addition to your pig or ABC transferware collection.