Debra Clifford Antiques Devon

Description

#AD086: Antique English Jane & Ann Taylor Christian Hymnal Poetry Children's Mug

A beautiful pre Victorian antique English pottery children's proverb mug, cup or coffee can with early 19th c. hand coloured transfer ware scenes of an idealic home and mother. It depicts a mother and child in a wealthy setting, she speaking to her daughter whilst sitting on an early antique English chaise settee. We can see iconic drapery, picture frame or mirror, open windows and green grass below. The left side shows an idealic estate with sheep and an early church steeple. The piece was hand coloured before firing in underglaze red, yellow and green and transferware black. It may have been a christening mug.

The printed transferware poetry text reads:
"Remembrance of Home Affection"
How would I watch your gentle eye
Twould be my joy to do your will
And you should never have to sign
Again for my behaving ill."

This verse is from an early Christian hymn called "A Child's Lamentation for the Death of Dear Mother." We found evidence of this hymn in print as early as 1809 in the book "Hymns for Infant Minds" by Jane Taylor Gilbert 1783-1824 and her sister Ann Taylor 1782-1866 who were prolific writers and collectors of poetry, nursery rhymes, proverbs, manners and Christian morals for children. They were also the authors of "Original Poems, for Infant Minds."

Famously, the 1806 edition of "Rhymes for the Nursery" which was a collection of poems by Taylor and her sister Ann includes a poem by Jane entitled "The Star": Twinkle, twinkle, little star, How I wonder what you are! Up above the world so high, Like a diamond in the sky. It was sung to the tune of the French melody "Ah! vous dirai-je, maman" and of course is world renown for the ages.

This is a beautiful old piece found in Exeter, Devon England. It is aged beautifully with a creamy dark patina, as shown in photos. It has a 1" hairline, and no other chips, cracks or repairs. We find this quite quite incredible for a 200 year old piece, and specifically made for children! Once gone, we will never have it again. Click images to see condition in very close up views.

Size: 2.5 in height x 3.75 inches wide including handle
——We have a 100% approval policy. For any questions, email Debra at the contact box below. Thank you, ~debra