Palissy Ware Water Pitcher with Lizard Handle and Reptiles

• Ewer / Pitcher - A type of jug with a narrow neck bulbous body and wide spout, originally used for carrying and storing liquids such as water or wine. In medieval times they were the source of water to wash ones hands during and after a meal. later the shape was used for vessels in silver, gold, glass and ceramics.
  
  In Victorian times they were made in ceramics and occasionally glass with a matching basin, and sometimes other accessories such as a soap holder or toothbrush holder. Their purpose was to provide facilities for personal washing In the early 19th century were often enclosed in purpose built stands, and later resided on a washstand..
  
  Sometimes the words "ewer" and "pitcher" are used interchangably, but a pitcher is generally considered to be a jug, and would have a wide mouth, and a gently tapering body.
• Faience / Maolica - Originating in ancient Egypt, faience is the name given to tin-enamelled porcelain or earthenware, deriving its name from Faenza in Northern Italy. Also known as maiolica because at one time the wares passed through Majorca. In England, faience / maoilca underwent a revival in the late 19th century by the art potteries set up about that time.
  
  Majolica was the name given to a specific product evolved by Minton in 1851 and introduced at the Great Exhibition. The pottery was coloured with a clear glaze containing metallic oxides.

This item has been included into following indexes:

• faience - ceramics 72
• Majolica - Palissy ware 28
• Palissy Ware (European) - ceramics 28