Un pichet trompeur en faïence de Delft petit feu et doré, 1ère moitié du 18ème

H.: 19,5 cm

Provenance:
- The collection of Daniël George van Beuningen (1877-1955)

Although puzzle jugs were already technically challenging to produce, this polychrome and gilded petit feu example was even more difficult due to its complex firing process. Made around 1730, the pear-shaped body is beautifully decorated with three winged insects and a snail between three clusters of iron-red, manganese, green and gold flowers. A blue border near the base of the vessel is further embellished with gilt leaves. Three hexagonal panels of iron-red and gold trelliswork are pierced into the cylindrical neck. Mimicking the base, a blue ground rim is also decorated with four gilt scroll devices. The jug was fired during a process that requires three to four separate firings, known as 'mixed-techique'. The first firing produced the biscuit body after which a layer of glaze was applied. The grand feu colours were then applied to the glaze and fired at approximately 1200ºC. After that firing, further colors were applied for the petit feu firing at approximately 800ºC. If the vessel were gilded, a fourth and final firing occurred.

The secret of the puzzle jug lies in the construction of the vessel. Generally, the hollow tubular rim has one functioning nozzle, and two or more “dummy” nozzles. These false spouts are connected to the hollow handle, which forms a siphon from the lower body. The suction, however, is broken by a small hole beneath the top of the handle. To successfully drink without spilling, the drinker must place his thumb over the hole in order to create a vacuum that allows him to suck the liquid from the jug up through the handle, around the rim and out through the one functioning nozzle. The unwitting guest who attempted to drink from it without covering the holes would find himself drenched.