Minton Majolica butler tureen, of tapering cylindrical-form, molded as a lidded tub with simulated wooden staves glazed in cobalt blue, with three looped twig handles to the tureen, overlain with budding hawthorn branches and lace doilies, surmounted with three bound twigs forming the lid handle. Impressed Minton design number to reverse, '498,' which corresponds to the entry, 'BUTLER AND STAND (M)' in the Minton Ornamental Shapes Books preserved in the Minton Archives and reprinted in Jones, p. 345.* (see footnote). This design is included in the Karmason Library of the Majolica International Society with the designation: "Extremely Rare." ID Number: 599, KL Number: KL000582P For 30 years we have been among the world's preeminent specialists in fine antique majolica.

*Joan Jones, "MINTON: The First Two Hundred Years of Design and Production." Shrewsbury, England: Swan Hill Press, 1993, Appendix E, p. 347. Minton Ornamental Shapes (i.e., design numbers) listed in Appendix E, pp. 343-377.

Measure: Diameter 7 in.