Fine Porcelain and Pottery - 9th September 2014
Lot 2
A large Staffordshire pearlware bear-baiting jug and cover c.1820
Estimate £300 - £400 | Hammer £280
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Description
A large Staffordshire pearlware bear-baiting jug and cover c.1820, the muzzled grizzly licking his chops and holding a chained dog between his forepaws, the dog with teeth bared, some restoration, 32cm. (2)
Cf. Myrna Schkolne, People, Passions, Pastimes and Pleasures, p.130. Bear baiting was not abolished in England until 1835, but as early as 1550 reformer Robert Crowley attacked the sport in an epigram ending with the words "...at the last Day their Conscience will declare, That the Poor ought to have all that they can spare. If you therefore it give to see a Bear fight, Be sure God his Curse upon you will light".