Large parian porcelain pitcher or jug in a matte light purple and white glaze made by Samuel Alcock & Co. of Cobridge, Staffordshire.

Each side is molded in relief and depicts the biblical figures Naomi and her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah. The composition is copied from an 1844 painting by Henry Nelson O’Neil executed for Prince Albert. In the story, after the husbands of all three women died, Naomi entreated Ruth and Orpah to return to their own mothers in Moab. They refused, but eventually Orpah relented and left; Ruth clung to Naomi and fully embraced her new Jewish life and family in the famous verse, ‘Wherever you go I will go, wherever you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people and your God, my God. Where you die I will die, and there be buried (Ruth 1:16).’ This sentimental scene of filial devotion was popular in the 19th century.

The diamond registration mark on the underside indicates manufacture around 1847.

Measures about 12 1/4 inches high, about 6 1/4 inches diameter at the widest point.

Overall condition is good, but one side shows firing cracks in the base and at Naomi’s neck; no other chips or damage, minor variations in the molding and glaze.