A Polychrome Delftware ‘Bobbejak’ Figural Cistern, ca 1760

A Polychrome Delftware ‘Bobbejak’ Figural Cistern, ca 1760

Modelled as a seated gentleman wearing a tricorn hat, a dark blue coat and yellow breeches. He rests beside a small barrel fitted with a metal tap, while a bird sits beneath his hand. The figure and barrel are supported on a naturalistically modelled base, decorated in shades of blue, green, yellow, manganese and iron-red.

Figural cisterns of this type are traditionally known in the Netherlands as bobbejakken. Their French counterparts are called pots Jacquot or pots Jacqueline, while related English vessels are generally known as Toby jugs. Larger examples were made as functional dispensers for drinks such as beer, wine or genever, combining a practical purpose with the humorous character so typical of eighteenth-century Delftware.

The lively modelling, richly varied palette and unusual composition make this an engaging example of Delft’s tradition of figural ceramics.

Height: 31 cm 

Similar examples: Kunstmuseum Den Haag – The Lavino Collection inv 1059591 and 1059592