Hound-Handled Pitcher c. 1850

This 19th-century ceramic pitcher is an example of the English "Hound-Handled" ware, popularized in the mid-19th century. The pitcher's handle is shaped like a hound's head, a motif commonly found in these utilitarian objects. The pitcher's body features a detailed scene of hounds chasing a stag through a forest, a popular subject matter for sporting ceramics. The use of brown glaze contributes to the overall rustic charm of the piece. This pitcher, now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, is a fine example of the craftsmanship of this popular English ceramic tradition.