Vintage French Faience Puzzle Jug With Rouen Decor

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A lovely French faience puzzle jug handpainted in the style of Rouen with the Cherbourg coat of arms, a stylized … Read more A lovely French faience puzzle jug handpainted in the style of Rouen with the Cherbourg coat of arms, a stylized scroll & flower motif, tassel border, and cobalt blue accents. The neck is encircled with a reticulated daisy-like flower pattern which makes drinking from this jug a challenge or puzzle. "Buvez je le veux bien, mais sachez placer votre main" is written across the body and cunningly warns about the puzzle aspect of the jug. In English it translates to "Drink, I want you to, but know how to place your hand".

This piece is marked on the bottom with an "A", a symbol which looks similar to a "5", and "Cherbourg", indicating this piece was likely made as a souvenir for tourists in Cherbourg, France. The mark is unknown and therefore so is the maker but it could be an incomplete mark of the Angouleme Renoleau factory or unmarked Boulogne or Desvres faience with the A and 5 marks representing a form or something else besides the factory. The glaze, colors, and decoration of this jug are all similar to wares produced by those factories. Circa 1930s-40s.

In excellent vintage condition with no chips, cracks, or crazing See less