A delightful 'Perak' design pitcher with an interesting place in the history of art. Designed by James Beech  who produced pottery at the Swan Bank pottery in Staffordshire, England. This Aesthetic Movement design was made between 1877 and 1887. The stamp on the base confirms this with the initials JB and the swan image. 
 
The pitcher has an overall floral design with three 'framed' overlapping images on both sides, a boat, a temple and roses. The pitcher is a rare find in this set and desirable as it displays so attractively.
 
There are signs of age and use, light crazing and patination which add to its charm. It appears that there was a lid attached as two metal pins remain in the lip, either side of the handle. There is a small hairline at the rim, which I have pictured as clearly as possible.
 
It measures 7.5" tall