Majolica Pitcher - Chickens with Wheat Sheaf - 10 1/2"

This amazing pitcher is classified as majolica. Majolica is made of heavy earthenware. It is design-molded and typically adorned with beautiful vivid coloring. The most desirable pieces of majolica are often whimsical in motif, as is the case here. I have done extensive research to try to find more out about this pitcher. The only reference I can find is (of the 7" version of the identical pitcher)in The Collector's Encyclopedia of Majolica by Mariann Katz-Marks. Here it is identified as "Chickens with Wheat Sheaf Pitcher" and is believed to be English. The pitcher stands an impressive 10.5" tall and shows two chickens circling around a bundle of wheat. The colors are amazing. The golden wheat is highlighted by pink and white flowers which were also bundled during the harvest. The handle is made of green stalks of wheat not yet ready for harvest. The 2 chickens literally jump off the pitcher! They have maroon heads and bodies colored with brown, blue, and turquoise. The rooster is proudly strutting with his head held high and his chest puffed out. The hen is looking at the base of the wheat bundle, most likely in search of food. This inside of the pitcher is glazed in pink. Overall, this pitcher is in excellent condition. From the inside of the pitcher, you can see extensive crazing typical of majolica pieces. There also may be a tight hairline at the rim - it is about 1/2" in length. The head and beak of both chickens have "roughness". It may be glaze pops that happened during manufacture, or tiny nicks. I can not say for sure as they are very old marks. The largest of these rough areas measures about 1/8" in diameter. It is not marked. Please e-mail if you would like more photographs of this amazing and rare piece!