Early Victorian Doulton & Watts Lambeth Stoneware Preserving Jar, c.1848–1853

A wonderfully characterful early Victorian stoneware preserving jar by Doulton & Watts of Lambeth, dating to approximately 1848–1853.

Made during the relatively short period in which the pottery traded under the Doulton & Watts partnership, the jar is finished in a warm two-tone palette of natural cream stoneware and rich honey-brown glaze. Decorative beaded bands encircle the shoulder and neck, while moulded lugs to the sides formed part of the original patented closure system.

The jar retains its original ceramic inner lid, itself decorated with a beaded border and central knop. An impressed “2Q” capacity mark beneath one of the lugs denotes approximately two quarts.

The lower body carries an impressed Doulton & Watts, Lambeth Pottery mark. This form is associated with Registered Design No. 1367, introduced in 1848 for a preserving jar fitted with a mechanical locking arrangement. The original metal securing clamp is no longer present.

Long before the decorative Doulton Lambeth wares for which the company later became famous, pieces such as this were produced as practical household pottery. Today, its strong sculptural shape, mellow glaze and visible signs of age make it equally appealing as a decorative antique.

A particularly attractive piece of early Doulton utilitarian stoneware, now approaching 180 years old.

Very Good Original Condition

Good antique condition considering its considerable age, with expected signs of use and manufacture throughout.
There is surface wear, staining, glaze variation, firing imperfections and small areas of rubbing and nibbling, particularly around the base and exposed edges. The underside shows considerable age-related wear and surface deposits.
The ceramic inner lid remains present.
There is a dark line visible around part of the shoulder beneath the upper glazed section. This may relate to the firing/manufacturing process or an old hairline and should therefore be considered part of the condition.

- Early Victorian English stoneware preserving jar
- Dating approximately c.1848–1853
- Associated with Registered Design No. 1367
- Two-tone cream and honey-brown glazed stoneware
- Decorative applied beaded bands
- Original ceramic inner lid
- Impressed 2Q capacity mark
- Impressed Doulton & Watts Lambeth pottery mark
- Attractive age-related surface character

Beautiful displayed on an open kitchen shelf, antique dresser or pantry table, either left empty as a decorative object or used to hold dried flowers or other non-food items.
Its warm cream and ochre tones pair particularly well with aged oak, rustic pine, limestone, linen and other natural materials, making it easy to incorporate into both traditional and contemporary interiors.

It would also work particularly well grouped with old stoneware, studio pottery or antique kitchenalia to create a collected, understated display.