Antique Ridgways Kate Greenaway Pitcher Nursery Rhyme Illustrations c 1890s

$250.00

Brand Etsy

This is an antique pitcher or ewer decorated with two illustrations by Kate Greenaway (17 March 1846 6 November 1901). One side features the nursery rhyme Ride a Cock-horse and the other side features Jack and Jill. The pitcher is made of semi-porcelain by Ridgways, a manufacturer of earthenware pottery, located at the Bedford Works, Shelton, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, England. Ridgways was in operation from 1879 until 1920. The mark on the underside was used from 1891 until about 1905 - this piece most likely dates to the 1890s, contemporary with when Kate Greenaway was still alive and at the peak of her popularity. The pitcher measures 9 1/2 in height and weighs 1 1/2 lbs. It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, repairs or pronounced wear or crazing - there is a bit of wear to the green paint ring at the bottom of the piece (see last close-up photo) and a few glaze surface craze lines, but these arent even noticeable and very minor.
Kate Greenaway designed her own clothing styles for the children in her illustrations, which in turn had a great influence of Victorian childrens fashion - Liberty of London produced real clothing based on her designs during the 1880s and 1890s.
This is a very rare pitcher - I havent been able to find another similar example anywhere. Wonderful display item!