Jug

Date1709 (dated)

MediumTin-glazed earthenware (delft / delftware)

DimensionsH: 6 5/8" (16.8 cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1954-768

DescriptionJug. Bulbous-bodied jug with high cylindrical neck and strap handle. White tin-glaze decorated in blue, red, yellow and mixed green with flowers, birds, and a woman with a basket on her head. Toward the top of the handle, the inscription "TLA 1709"; on the body; the same inscription but with the numerals transposed to read "1079." The error in the date on the body of this jug is quite obvious, but it should make us aware that it does happen-perhaps not always in a discernable way. If the final two numerals were reversed, particularly if they are close together, such as 1756 or 1765, one might never realize the error and an object dated on this basis could be off by at least nine years. A mid-eighteenth century water bottle bears the too-early date 1714 (1961-101, 1). Should that have been 1741? The Bristol attribution is based on the particular combination of bright colors.Label TextThe inscription "TLA 1709" appears toward the top of the handle on this jug; the same inscription appears on the body, but with the numerals transposed to read "1079." The error in the latter date is quite obvious, but it should make us aware that it does happen perhaps not always in a discernible way. If the final two numerals were reversed, particularly if they are close together, such as 1756 or 1765, one might never realize the error and an object dated on this basis could be off by at least nine years. A mid-eighteenth-century water bottle in the CWF collection bears the too-early date 1714 (accession 1961-101). Should that have been 1741? The Bristol attribution is based on the particular combination of bright colors.Inscription(s)Toward the top of the handle, the inscription "TLA 1709"; on the body, the same inscription but with the numerals transposed to read" 1079."Mark(s)NoProvenanceFrances Dickson
A. F. Allbrook, Old English Furniture, Pottery & Porcelain, London