Pichet Trompeur Pot Surprise Faïence Nevers Train Bateaux Gabares 19th century

Polychrome Nevers earthenware deceptive* pitcher (pot à surprise) decorated with numerous characters on a train of boats on the Loire, composed of several gabares with square sails and other boats (a dog on the last one), openwork upper part, with 6 small spouts at the neck, marked 1803 An 11, early 19th century.
This pitcher is in good overall condition. Expert dealer's label "Nicolier Quai Voltaire Paris" on the bottom.
Please note: a few small chips at the foot, slight chips on the necks, enameling defects, age-related wear, see photos.
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* The deceptive pitcher, also known as the surprise pot, is openwork, making it appear impossible to empty. You can only drink by sucking through one of the small horizontal spouts located on the hollow bead that forms the rim of the upper opening. This communicates with the body of the container via the handle, which is also hollow.
Deceptive pots generally have a globular body mounted on a more or less pronounced pedestal, a cylindrical or slightly frustoconical neck and a curved handle.
Usage: The object is used to surprise and entertain, as the "victim" is disconcerted when the contents of the jug spill out beside his glass.
The distraction then continues with the discovery of the "trick" that will enable them to drink the contents without spilling them. The "victim" will easily find the hole in the bottom of the jug, which corresponds to the lower attachment of the hollow handle.
And will naturally think of emptying the jug by sucking through one of the spouts.
After several attempts, we'll reveal the pitcher's final secret to the discouraged woman.
All that had to be done was to block the small hole discreetly placed under the upper part of the handle, which the user had hidden himself by holding the jug.
(Cf Notice from the Musée de l'Hospice Comtesse de Lille)
Dimensions

Neck diameter 8.8 cm
Diameter at base 10.2 cm
Height 20.5 cm

Catalogue number: 500 906

All photos on :
www.antiques-delaval.com

Ref: N1XGQS67EW