Doulton Lambeth Empire Golden Jubilee "Mal Y Pense" Jugs 1887

Superb set of antique Doulton Lambeth salt-glazed Empire jugs made to commemorate Queen Victoria's golden jubilee. Dated 1887. Applied relief figures symbolising the different parts of the British Empire with Queen Victoria placed centrally. The dates of Victoria's coronation (1837) and golden jubilee (1887) are above and below the seated Victoria. On the neck of each is the Order of the Garter's motto - "Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense". Both jugs have an impressed mark for Doulton Lambeth together with the artist's monogram. Largest jug is 19cm in height and 16cm at its widest point. The smaller jug is 11.5cm in height and 9cm at its widest point. Since the early 17th century many Lambeth delftware potters produced examples of their craft to commemorate famous people and events. This tradition was maintained by some of the Lambeth stoneware potters after delftware had died out - most notably by John and Henry Doulton and their successors. Doulton produce a number of designs commemorating Victoria's golden jubilee including these jugs known as Empire jugs because of the figures symbolising the different parts of the British Empire in 1887. Commemorative ware was produced in the year of the event being commemorated.