This epic Pickard China tankard jug is hand-painted in a "Scotch" motif by noted Pickard artist Arturo Passoni (also known as Arthur Passony), who worked for Pickard from 1905 through 1918. To call this a "pitcher" seems to lend it too much femininity--this marvelous vessel seems that it should be right at home in a Scottish castle, at the elbow of the "laird" presiding in the Great Hall, a pair of Scottish Deerhounds lazing nearby and a fire roaring in the hearth to ward off the chill of the stone walls.
I have only ever seen two other examples of Pickard "Scotch" china, also painted by Passoni, but with a lion in the middle of a coat of arms and some definite plaid in the background. THIS magnificent tankard jug is decorated from top to bottom with symbols of Scotland--Scottish Thistle, Scottish Harebells, Scottish Heather (shades of Wuthering Heights!!)...and of course, a pair of bagpipes, one on either side. The massive handle is painted gold, as is the spout and the upper rim of the tankard, along with other embellishments such as the broadswords with their ornate hilts that accompany round shields also painted in gold.
The tankard jug sits solidly on a wide, heavy base that measures 6 1/2 inches in diameter. The tankard stands 8 1/2 inches tall, and is 7 inches wide including the spout and the handle. The diameter measures 4 inches across. I do not know how many ounces it holds, but that's a lot of ale! The tankard is in very good condition, with no chips, cracks or nicks or signs of crazing that I've been able to detect. There is a very little wear to the gold, which is to be expected at more than a century in age.
A remarkable piece of antique Pickard China for your collection, and a marvelous shout out to Scotland and Scottish history.