English delft puzzle jug – £15,000 at Tennants.
Michael Archer’s Delftware pictures two examples, one dated 1653 and another with Ming Transitional style decoration dated to c.1670.
Dated English delftware always carries a premium, regardless of condition.
This 7.5in (19cm) high jug, offered by Tennants (20% buyer’s premium) in Leyburn on March 19, has the initials H and IF flanked by the date 1670.
Made in either London or in Brislington in the West Country, it is decorated in underglaze blue with chinoiserie figures.
Broken into several pieces and restuck, it was guided at £2000-£3000 and proved to be of sufficient rarity to bring £15,000.
