Pichet Cochon Au Jambon is the French name for a pitcher that translates into “Pig Pitcher with Ham.” The potteries of Europe made many pig and boar themed pieces. I feature some of them here.The ones I’m highlighting in this post though are those that are similar to the one that originated at Onnaing and copied by several other faïenceries—with certain differences—and are still being copied today by modern potteries.
Onnaing majolica Pichet Cochon.Au Jambon
The pitcher is modeled as a pig on its hind legs with the snout as the spout. The Onnaing example is the oldest, having originated sometime in the 1870s. It has a ribbon wrapped around the pig’s body from which hangs a ham—a rather bizarre concept. The pitcher is sometimes found in a monochromatic treatment as well. French character jug specialist Bertrand Cocq describes the laurel as indicative of the pig’s exceptional intelligence. He has also described a variation of this model made specifically for the French retailer Garnier & Mouret. The only real difference is in the mark on the base..
Garnier & Moret version of the Onnaing jug
Garnier & Mouret mark on the Onnaing jug I can’t say who made the first copy but since the Orchies example is almost identical, with the exception of a smaller ear and smaller front feet, I would guess it was theirs. In fact they liked the design so much that they also adapted it into a humidor and a bank.
Orchies majolica Pichet Cochon Au Jambon
Orchid's majolica humidor
Orchies majolica pig bank
Other companies made very similar pig pitchers but without the Jambon. Delphin Massier made probably the nicest of these. It is in many ways finer than the original. It has no laurel swag, no ribbon and no ham and the modeling and glazing are in my opinion of a higher quality than the others. This model also was also available as a syrup with a tiny pig finial.
Delphin Massier majolica Pichet Cochon. No ribbon, no ham, no laurel swags
Delphin Massier pig syrup with pig finial
Then there is also the
Sarreguemines version with no laurel, no ribbon, no ham but with an umbrella! The modeling is also significantly different from the others.
Sarreguemines majolica Pichet Cochon
Finally, and probably the most recent, is the one from
Desvres Masse. This one has a base which easily distinguishes it from the others. Desvres also made a differently modeled pig pitcher without a base, laurel or a ham.
Desvres Pichet Cochon Au Jambon
Reproductions
Orchies made their pitcher for many years until they closed sometime in 1980. Later examples can be identified by the mark and the opaque glazes which were used long after lead based glazes became obsolete. The modeling is also lees detailed. Other companies, mostly from Asia, have produced modern reproductions as well, many of them quite awful. Fortuately they omit the creepy ham addition.
A particularly awful modern reproduction
A reproduction of the reproduction above A reproduction of the two reproductions show above it
A different type of modern reproduction This Italian copy has a cros instead of a ham Another modern reproduction, this one with a cross instead of the ham hanging from a ribbon
Marks
The marks on these antique pitchers vary with the intended market. The Frei Onnaing pitchers have one of the usual Onnaing marks. If the piece is marked FRANCE it was made for export after 1890. If it is marked MADE IN FRANCE it was made after 1910 and intended for export.
Onnaing mark on the Cachon Au Jambon ju
The Orchies pitchers have a number and letter combination on the base indicating the size. Those that were intended for export after 1910 will have the MADE. IN FRANCE marking.
Orchies mark
Orchies mark made for export
The Massier model will have the hand written DELPHIN MASSIER ink mark on the base.
Delphin Massier Vallauris A.M. mark
The Sarreguemines model will have the usual impressed Sarreguemines mark on the base while the Desvres model with have the standard Dedvres mark on the base if it is marked at all.
As I always say, there is nothing wrong with buying a reproduction as long as you know what you’re buying. Some are suitable for table use but others are not and only suitable for display. Be sure you know which is which before using them.
