A particularly charming early 19th-century English cream jug, transfer printed in underglaze blue with the pattern ‘Part of the City of Moorshedabad’.

Of shaped, low-bellied form, the jug has an elongated pouring lip and angular loop handle. The decoration depicts an Indian riverside landscape, with boats upon the water and domed buildings amongst trees and palms. A delicate floral and foliate border follows the rim and continues into the interior.

The underside bears the printed pattern title ‘Part of the City of Moorshedabad’ within a foliate cartouche. Moorshedabad, now Murshidabad in West Bengal, was an important political and commercial centre, and views of India formed part of the growing taste for topographical and overseas subjects among British ceramic manufacturers during the early 19th century.

No manufacturer's name appears within the visible mark, and we have therefore left the factory unattributed.

More than two centuries after it was made, it remains a wonderfully usable little piece. We particularly love old blue and white on a Christmas table, where the softness of early transfer printing sits beautifully amongst candlelight, silver and winter greenery. Use it for cream or custard, or simply keep it on a dresser amongst other collected china.

English, circa 1820–1840.

Material: Transfer-printed earthenware

Pattern: ‘Part of the City of Moorshedabad’

Origin: England

Date: Circa 1820–1840

Condition: In good antique condition, with surface wear, minor discolouration and irregularities to the glaze and transfer commensurate with age and manufacture. Please refer to the photographs for a full visual record of condition.