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ID #SA1182357
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£600
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Charles Meigh Large Relief-moulded Pitcher “Bacchanalian Dance”, 1844
For sale by Ritas Bazaar
for sale €702     $762
£600

Ritas Bazaar

Sellingantiques Verified Since Nov 2025
Browse dealers 257 items
Id #SA1182357
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Charles Meigh Large Relief-moulded Pitcher “Bacchanalian Dance”, 1844

19th century
For Sale by Ritas Bazaar
Description

A large and impressive white stoneware pitcher by Charles Meigh, decorated with the celebrated “Bacchanalian Dance” continuous frieze. Satyrs, maenads, putti and grape-gathering figures are modelled in deep relief of excellent clarity and definition, characteristic of Meigh’s finest early work. The glossy clear glaze is consistent with documented early examples.

The base carries the 30 September 1844 diamond registration mark (No. 21960), confirming an early production date for the design. The pewter helmet-type lid, with thumbpiece, was manufactured by James Dixon & Son of Sheffield, noted for their silver, silver-plate and metal tableware. Comparable large Meigh jugs are preserved in the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

A rare large-format example of Meigh’s most sought-after relief design, displaying excellent modelling and strong decorative presence.

Historical Background

Charles Meigh was among the leading Staffordshire makers of relief-moulded stoneware in the 1840s. His Bacchanalian friezes drew inspiration from compositions by Poussin and Rubens, reflecting contemporary interest in neoclassical imagery. Large jugs of this scale were produced in smaller quantities and often paired with pewter lids supplied by specialist firms such as James Dixon & Son.

Measurements

Height: 31 cm / 12.20?

Width: 21 cm / 8.26?

Diameter: 18.1 cm / 7.12?

Weight: 2408 g

Condition

Very well preserved for its age and size.

The relief is crisp, with intact handle and vine elements; no structural issues observed.

A fine and substantial example of early Meigh relief work.

Shipping & Packaging

Fully tracked and insured delivery.

Shipping cost includes labour, packaging and postage.

Carefully packed using recycled materials where possible.

Please study all photographs as they form part of the description.

Questions are welcome.

Physical Dimensions
Height
31cm (12.20")
Width
21cm (8.27")
Depth
18.1cm (7.13")
Declaration

Ritas Bazaar has dated this Relief Moulded Stoneware Pitcher to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1182357
Dealers Internal Reference
B1539
Description
A large and impressive white stoneware pitcher by Charles Meigh, decorated with the celebrated “Bacchanalian Dance” continuous frieze.
“
Satyrs, maenads, putti and grape-gathering figures are modelled in deep relief of excellent clarity and definition, characteristic of Meigh’s finest early work.
Ritas Bazaar

The glossy clear glaze is consistent with documented early examples.

fig 1. A white relief-moulded stoneware pitcher featuring raised classical figures and grapevine motifs, fitted with a dark pewter hinged lid.
fig 1. Charles Meigh Large Relief-moulded Pitcher “Bacchanalian Dance”, 1844

The base carries the 30 September 1844 diamond registration mark (No. 21960), confirming an early production date for the design. The pewter helmet-type lid, with thumbpiece, was manufactured by James Dixon & Son of Sheffield, noted for their silver, silver-plate and metal tableware. Comparable large Meigh jugs are preserved in the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

fig 2. A white relief-moulded stoneware pitcher featuring raised classical figures and grapevine motifs, fitted with a dark pewter hinged lid.
fig 2. Charles Meigh Large Relief-moulded Pitcher “Bacchanalian Dance”, 1844

A rare large-format example of Meigh’s most sought-after relief design, displaying excellent modelling and strong decorative presence.

Historical Background

Charles Meigh was among the leading Staffordshire makers of relief-moulded stoneware in the 1840s. His Bacchanalian friezes drew inspiration from compositions by Poussin and Rubens, reflecting contemporary interest in neoclassical imagery. Large jugs of this scale were produced in smaller quantities and often paired with pewter lids supplied by specialist firms such as James Dixon & Son.

fig 3. A white relief-moulded stoneware pitcher featuring raised classical figures and grapevine motifs, fitted with a dark pewter hinged lid.
fig 3. Charles Meigh Large Relief-moulded Pitcher “Bacchanalian Dance”, 1844

Measurements

Height: 31 cm / 12.20?

Width: 21 cm / 8.26?

Diameter: 18.1 cm / 7.12?

Weight: 2408 g

Condition

Very well preserved for its age and size.

The relief is crisp, with intact handle and vine elements; no structural issues observed.

fig 4. A white relief-moulded stoneware pitcher featuring raised classical figures and grapevine motifs, fitted with a dark pewter hinged lid.
fig 4. Charles Meigh Large Relief-moulded Pitcher “Bacchanalian Dance”, 1844

A fine and substantial example of early Meigh relief work.

Shipping & Packaging

Fully tracked and insured delivery.

Shipping cost includes labour, packaging and postage.

Carefully packed using recycled materials where possible.

Please study all photographs as they form part of the description.

Questions are welcome.

Height
31cm (12.20")
Width
21cm (8.27")
Depth
18.1cm (7.13")
Date of Manufacture

Ritas Bazaar has dated this Relief Moulded Stoneware Pitcher to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1182357
Dealers Internal Ref
B1539
Ritas Bazaar
Sellingantiques verified Since Nov 2025
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Ritas Bazaar Profile Page

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A white relief-moulded stoneware pitcher featuring raised classical figures and grapevine motifs, fitted with a dark pewter hinged lid.
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Archive I A white relief-moulded stoneware pitcher featuring raised classical figures and grapevine motifs, fitted with a dark pewter hinged lid.

Charles Meigh Large Relief-moulded Pitcher “Bacchanalian Dance”, 1844

Archive II A white relief-moulded stoneware pitcher featuring raised classical figures and grapevine motifs, fitted with a dark pewter hinged lid. View II
Archive III A white relief-moulded stoneware pitcher featuring raised classical figures and grapevine motifs, fitted with a dark pewter hinged lid. View III
Archive IV A white relief-moulded stoneware pitcher featuring raised classical figures and grapevine motifs, fitted with a dark pewter hinged lid. View IV
Archive V A white relief-moulded stoneware pitcher featuring raised classical figures and grapevine motifs, fitted with a dark pewter hinged lid. View V
Archive VI A white relief-moulded stoneware pitcher featuring raised classical figures and grapevine motifs, fitted with a dark pewter hinged lid. View VI
Archive VII A white relief-moulded stoneware pitcher featuring raised classical figures and grapevine motifs, fitted with a dark pewter hinged lid. View VII
Archive VIII A white relief-moulded stoneware pitcher featuring raised classical figures and grapevine motifs, fitted with a dark pewter hinged lid. View VIII
Archive IX A white relief-moulded stoneware pitcher featuring raised classical figures and grapevine motifs, fitted with a dark pewter hinged lid. View IX
Archive X A white relief-moulded stoneware pitcher featuring raised classical figures and grapevine motifs, fitted with a dark pewter hinged lid. View X
Archive XI A white relief-moulded stoneware pitcher featuring raised classical figures and grapevine motifs, fitted with a dark pewter hinged lid. View XI
Archive XII A white relief-moulded stoneware pitcher featuring raised classical figures and grapevine motifs, fitted with a dark pewter hinged lid. View XII
Archive XIII A white relief-moulded stoneware pitcher featuring raised classical figures and grapevine motifs, fitted with a dark pewter hinged lid. View XIII
Archive XIV A white relief-moulded stoneware pitcher featuring raised classical figures and grapevine motifs, fitted with a dark pewter hinged lid. View XIV
Archive XV A white relief-moulded stoneware pitcher featuring raised classical figures and grapevine motifs, fitted with a dark pewter hinged lid. View XV
Archive XVI A white relief-moulded stoneware pitcher featuring raised classical figures and grapevine motifs, fitted with a dark pewter hinged lid. View XVI
Archive XVII A white relief-moulded stoneware pitcher featuring raised classical figures and grapevine motifs, fitted with a dark pewter hinged lid. View XVII
Archive XVIII A white relief-moulded stoneware pitcher featuring raised classical figures and grapevine motifs, fitted with a dark pewter hinged lid. View XVIII
Archive XIX A white relief-moulded stoneware pitcher featuring raised classical figures and grapevine motifs, fitted with a dark pewter hinged lid. View XIX
Archive XX A white relief-moulded stoneware pitcher featuring raised classical figures and grapevine motifs, fitted with a dark pewter hinged lid. View XX
Archive XXI A white relief-moulded stoneware pitcher featuring raised classical figures and grapevine motifs, fitted with a dark pewter hinged lid. View XXI
Archive XXII A white relief-moulded stoneware pitcher featuring raised classical figures and grapevine motifs, fitted with a dark pewter hinged lid. View XXII
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07434 626011
Location
Hertfordshire
United Kingdom
Verified Since Nov 2025
Items For Sale 257
Items Sold 49
Ritas Bazaar
Verified Since Nov 2025
View Dealer Info
Location: Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Verified
Nov 2025
For Sale
257
Sold
49
A white relief-moulded stoneware pitcher featuring raised classical figures and grapevine motifs, fitted with a dark pewter hinged lid.
Charles Meigh Large Relief-Moulded Pitcher “Bacchanalian Dance”, 1844
Ref: SA1182357
A white relief-moulded stoneware pitcher featuring raised classical figures and grapevine motifs, fitted with a dark pewter hinged lid.
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Archival Detail
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectPitchers
  • Period19th century
  • StyleVictorian
  • MaterialWhite Stoneware, Pewter
  • ColourWhite
  • MotifsBacchanalian relief, Grapevine decoration, Pewter hinged lid, Branch form handle
  • SizeH 31 cm (12 in) x W 21 cm (8 in) x D 18.1 cm (7 in)

This nineteenth-century Victorian pitcher by Charles Meigh is produced from white stoneware and fitted with a dark pewter hinged lid, measuring 31 cm high, 21 cm wide, and 18.1 cm deep. The body displays a continuous Bacchanalian relief frieze depicting satyrs, maenads, putti, and grape-gathering figures, finished with a glossy clear glaze. Grapevine decoration covers the upper body and spout, complemented by a branch-form handle and a helmet-type lid with a thumbpiece. The base carries a diamond registration mark dated 30 September 1844, and the metal lid is manufactured by James Dixon & Son of Sheffield. In a modern interior, this piece serves as a decorative display object placed upon a sideboard top within an English Country House setting. The very well preserved white stoneware body exhibits crisp relief modelling without structural issues, retaining intact handle and vine elements. The dark metallic finish of the lid contrasts with the glossy white glaze, while the sculptural branch handle provides a textured grip. The substantial proportions and neoclassical imagery offer a strong decorative presence suited for traditional living spaces or dining rooms.

Popularised in 19th-century Britain, relief-moulded pitchers are stoneware or earthenware vessels cast using multi-part plaster moulds to create raised, three-dimensional decorative scenes.

These vessels were primarily produced from dense white or buff stoneware, frequently fitted with hinged pewter or Britannia metal lids to protect the contents.

Authentic pieces typically feature crisp mould details, registered design marks or maker stamps impressed into the base, and expected wear along the unglazed foot rim.

Position the vessel as a standalone sculptural accent on a dining sideboard, or display it as an ornamental vessel filled with dried botanical stems.

Hand wash gently using warm water and mild liquid detergent, avoiding abrasive cloths on the ceramic body and keeping moisture away from the metal hinge mechanism.
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