Condition:  Excellent condition.

This intriguing piece is made by Peter Meanley, one of Northern Ireland’s foremost ceramicists, having won international acclaim for his abstract spouted pouring vessels and his mastery of the salt glazing technique. Formerly Head of Ceramics at the University of Ulster in Belfast, Peter has been awarded a PhD for researching salt glazing in 1999 – a process which  involves throwing salt into a kiln, whilst it is fired at high temperature, resulting in a characteristic ‘orange-peel’ pitted surface.

For many years Peter has made intricately shaped vessels as well as characterful sculptural work, all in salt glazed stoneware.  He fires his kiln only about twice a year.

Peter's  puzzle jug work was a Covid lockdown project, inspired by antique puzzle jugs, of which this one is a close copy.  Originating in China, puzzle jugs were sometimes known as Cadogan puzzle jugs after William 1st Earl of Cadogan (1675 – 1726), the first person known to own a Chinese winepot of this shape.  The liquid has to be poured in through the base, then getting it out is the puzzle!

(I have not put any liquid in this jug so it is ready to use with no health issues!)

The stamped inscription on the jug reads "- Cadogan puzzle jug - what a mouthful - but can you --- get a mouthful -"

Peter's impressed stamp and the date 21 are on the base.