Cream Jug “Courtship/Matrimony”

Probably Liverpool, England

About 1820

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Vase of white stoneware, amphora-shaped and resting on a plain, square base of black basalt, the body covered with an opaque variegated glaze in shades of green with two handles of white stoneware in the form of large satyr masks whose horns curve up and attach to the lip of the vase, the plain cover with ball finial a facsimile.
Bust almost front, the head in profile right. Inscription on reverse.
Solid light blue jasper tablet with applied white jasper relief decoration with light shading depicting Achilles at Skyros at the time of his discovery and departure, with from left a knight with horse, Lycomedes sitting on the throne, two naked Doryphoroi, or spear bearers, one of Lycomedes daughters in a long girt chiton springing away with a gesture of alarm, Achilles brandishing a sword, his woman's chiton slipping, his lover Deidameia is behind him with her hands on his shoulders, three other male figures, possibly Odysseus, Agamemnon with an attendant, and Diomedes are to the right.
Bust in profile left.