What's in the Box? February 2007

These hand-painted pieces helped homeowners put on a good face when entertaining. What kind of face? Think John Barleycorn or Parson Brown. Made from Royal Doulton earthenware, the pieces came in two sizes: 6" and 3"; the miniature was used in England as an individual water container for whiskey chasers.

ANSWER: Doulton character jugs

Doulton character jugs, depicting typical English characters taken from literature as well as life, modeled by Doulton’s well known artists. They are made of Royal Doulton earthenware, and are hand-painted in natural colors. The larger size is 6” tall and holds one quart. The miniature is 3” tall and is used in England for individual water containers for whiskey chasers. From left to right, top row, Old Charley, John Barleycorn, Sairey Gamp. Bottom row: Simon — the Cellarer, Dick Turpin and Parson Brown. From William S. Pitcairn Corp., 104 Fifth Ave., New York. — The Gift and Art Buyer, January 1936, p. 21.