Lawrences Auctioneers will feature a delightful selection of Donyatt puzzle jugs in their Winter Fine Art Sale. All of which are quirky, characterful pieces that showcase both the ingenuity and rustic charm of Somerset pottery.
Produced for over 800 years in the village of Donyatt, these unusual vessels combine earthy folk-art decoration with a cleverly engineered drinking challenge. Their hollow handles, multiple spouts, and hidden air holes transform a simple sip into a party trick, revealing the potters wit as much as their technical skill.
The decoration is equally engaging: sgraffito birds, tulip-like flowers, mottled green and buff glazes, and playful decoration verses speak to the lively visual language of everyday rural households. Often personalised with names and dates, they offer a wonderfully intimate glimpse into the social life and humour of the period. Today, they are treasured as spirited snapshots of local English craft. Objects that are both decorative and irresistibly mischievous.
A selection of these charming jugs will appear in our Fine Art Sale on 10th & 11th February. There is still time to consign with further items. Please contact us soon if you’d like to include your pieces into the auctions.
Lawrences are welcoming consignments for their forthcoming Fine Art sales
to include:
Silver | Vertu | Pictures | 19th/20th Century Design | Ceramics
Oriental Works of Art | Jewellery | Watches | Furniture | Clocks
Rugs | Militaria | Coins | Medals | Collectors | Sporting | Textiles
Wine | Spirits | Books | Maps | Manuscripts | Photography
Free valuations are available online at lawrences.co.uk
Home visits also available throughout Bath and the West Country
without charge or obligation.
South Street, Crewkerne, Somerset TA18 8AB.
T: 01460 73041 E: enquiries@lawrences.co.uk
1A Woodlands Estate, Westbury, BA13 3QS
T: 01373 822337 E: wessex@lawrences.co.uk