A 300-year-old wine jug, discovered in a Kent garage, is set to fetch hundreds at auction. The jug, known as a Delftware guglet, predates the French Revolution and is an imitation of refined Chinese porcelain. It was found during a routine house valuation near Ashford, and the owner was delighted to learn of its value. The jug's distinctive blue-and-white decoration is a testament to the popularity of Chinese porcelain in Britain during the reign of William III. However, British potters couldn't replicate it, leading to the creation of tin-glazed earthenware, which became known as Delftware. Delftware arrived in Britain in the mid-16th century via Jasper Andries, an Antwerp potter. The jug is in remarkable condition, representing a unique piece of British history. It's a squat, pear-shaped wine jug, known as a guglet, and its decoration depicts an unusual-looking Chinese-style figure astride a frog-like mythical beast. Experts estimate its value at £300. The jug will be auctioned on February 27 at Hansons' Kent saleroom in Penshurst. In a separate auction, Hansons also helped sell a world-famous collection of 8,000 teapots, owned by Sue and Keith Blazye from Yalding Teapot Island, but it failed to meet the reserve price.
