An evocative piece of late 19th-century domestic design, this Copeland ceramic water monkey dates to the 1880’s and likely once formed part of a washstand set. Designed to hold warm water for personal washing, these rounded jugs were used in bedrooms and dressing rooms before indoor plumbing became common.

This example features a beautifully hand-painted turquoise enamel band with stylised starburst and floral motifs in orange, black, and ochre. The glazed body has soft timeworn tones and a lightly crazed finish. Though the original stopper and saucer are missing, its sculptural form and decorative charm remain striking — a characterful relic of everyday Victorian life.

Condition:

• Wear and crazing consistent with age

• No stopper or saucer

• Structurally sound

• One small glaze nick near rim (see photos) .May be a repair, but it looks solid, so may be a hairline crack

Dimensions: 27 cm [10”] x 21 cm [8”]

Explore more beautifully timeworn finds in our Parfaitement Imparfait collection.