Water Pitchers or Milk Pitchers? We are sure these pitchers were used for both purposes. Additionally, at what size level do they become cream pitchers? These pitchers are stately in their largest sizes and as they become smaller they are squater. Their characteristics are tall loop handles and wide downward pouring lips. All have one continuous Canton scene around the pitchers, all have rain cloud borders near the rims and all but one has leaves on the handles (see picture). The bottoms are glazed.
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There are two different styles of these very large water pitchers: upward lips and downward lip ones. This page is devoted to the upward pouring lip water pitchers. Although they look very much alike here are four differences: upward pouring lips not downward, separated leaves and no flower on handles not a flower and continuous leaves (see picture of handles), 7 raised ribs on the handles not smooth handles, narrower top openings not wider top openings (see picture of top openings).
There are two different styles of these very large water pitchers: upward spouts and downward spout ones. This page is devoted to the downward spout water pitchers. Although they look very much alike here are four differences: downward spouts not upwards, a flower and continuous leaves on handle not separated leaves and no flower (see picture of handles), smooth handles not 7 raised ribs on the handles, wider top openings not narrower openings (see picture of top openings).
Canton Cream Pitchers and their accompanying teapots and sugars make up a confusing world in defining the many, many variations to be found. Designations that have come into common useage will be physical descriptions of the creamers such as "Drum Shape", "Pear Shape", "Ball Shape", "Barrel Shape" and "Conical Shape". In buying any cream pitcher make sure the top fits well.
Canton Cream Pitchers and their accompanying teapots and sugars make up a confusing world in defining the many, many variations to be found. Designations that have come into common useage will be physical descriptions of the creamers such as "Drum Shape", "Pear Shape", "Ball Shape", "Barrel Shape" and "Conical Shape". In buying any cream pitcher make sure the top fits well. This Pear Shaped cream pitcher is one of a series of very late cream pitchers which I call the "Flag Series" as they have a group of flags on one side that does not appear on the early Canton cream pitchers (see next to last picture of the flags and the top). They are also distinguished by a pyramid/triangle border on the tops and a rain cloud border on the creamers. This cream pitcher has a loop handle and a white ball knob with a blue spot on the top and an air hole. The porcelain is very white without the usual firing imperfections we see on the early Canton pieces. The bottom is glazed and the top has a deep flange that sits inside the pitcher to help secure the top. This cream pitcher is part of a tea set and is pictured with its matching teapot and sugar bowl in the last picture.
These cream pitchers are tall not squat, have wide upward lips not narrow downward lips, and are bulbous in shape. They all have loop handles and all but one has leaves on the handles (the exception has bamboo ribbing). Many of the lips are higher than the handles--our height measurements are the highest of lips or handles. All have one continuous Canton scene around the pitchers. 7 of the 9 pitchers have rain cloud borders near the rims, the other two have no rain cloud borders. All bottoms are glazed.
These are the well known hog's nose or hog's snout cream pitchers. We call them "narrow lip" cream pitchers. They are squat in shape with protruding or bulbous sides. They all have loop handles and all but one has leaves on the handles (the exception is the tiniest example with just blue coloring). Most of the handles are higher than the lips--our height measurements are the highest of lips or handles. All have one continuous Canton scene around the pitchers.
The shape of the Helmet cream pitchers are derived from early silver forms. The helmet creamer has a small pouring lip, a bamboo like handle and a pedestal base. At the top of the side decoration is the usual Canton scene of tea house and bridge. Below that are molded ribs painted blue that might represent leaves. Next are 4 swastika like symbols around the base and finally the rain cloud border. The bottoms are glazed.
For use as either cream, milk or water pitchers these octagonal paneled pitchers are very nicely decorated. Note the 7 molded arrows with scrolls on the largest pitcher and plainer arrows on the smaller ones. Also, the 8 rim scallops on each one, the molded ribbing below the spouts and the unusual shaped handles that do not appear on any other Canton forms. The large pitcher is outstanding in its decoration and color and would thus command a premium price not only because of its very rare status. All the bottoms are octagonal and glazed.