{HISTORY}

Telling the stories of two prominent companies in one, this rare antique porcelain cream jug comes with all sorts of interesting history. 

Made by luxury dish maker Royal Crown Derby in England in 1888, it was then sent to Boston to the import company of Bigelow, Kennard and Co. for retail sale in America. Featuring a solid salmon pink body with a scalloped rim and a unique almost flat style handle, this very pretty serving piece is stunning in color, craftsmanship and design.  

Referred to as a cream jug, in today's interpretation it could be considered a large creamer or a small pitcher - a size that offers many functional purposes. Whether you incorporate it into your dishware for service at tea and coffee time or you incorporate it into your vase collection, this little charmer works just as beautifully whether it's holding cream for your tea or fresh-cut blooms from the garden. 

Based in England, Royal Crown Derby has been making dishware for the luxury market since 1750. Producing exquisitely designed fine china for the British royal family beginning in the 1760s, Royal Crown Derby's quest for perfectionism resulted in attracting the most talented ceramic artists in the world. This strive for excellence quickly helped them establish a brand known for its unparalleled skill and artistry within their industry.

Bigelow, Kennard & Co was first established in Boston in 1830. Specializing in silver, watches, clocks, jewelry and tableware they were known for their "unique objects of beauty and worth" specially manufactured for their shop. In operation until the early 1970s, Bigelow, Kennard & Co held their last storewide sale in December 1971 before permanently closing after 141 years in business.

A rare example of exquisite design and exemplary business practices, this antique cream jug is both a work of art and a functional item that has traveled the past 136 years with beauty and grace.

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• Rare find
• Rare design
• Stamped on bottom with the Royal crown Derby mark and date code of 1888 along with the mark of Bigelow, Kennard & Co

{CONDITION}

In lovely vintage condition. The glaze is shiny, the gold detailing bears no rub marks or scratches and the interior is clean and bright. The only flaw is a hairline crack on the side rim at the neck that measures 1/2" inch in length. This crack is barely visible from the exterior of the jug and does not affect its use in any way. Please see photos.

{SIZE}

Measures 5" inches (height) x 4.5" Inches (width at widest part) x 4.5" inches (length) with an opening of 2.25" inches (diameter) and weighs 9 oz.

{STYLE IDEA}

This cream jug was photographed with a vintage Royal Crown Derby soup bowl which is available in the shop here. These two patterns are very complimentary to each other, even though the cream jug is a slightly darker shade of pink.