The legendary Burslem art director, Charles Noke, had a long fascination with Jesters as seen by any cursory glance through the Royal Doulton ranges of yesteryear – from the later 19c Vellum figures ‘The Jester’ and ‘Mirth and Melancholy’, to character jugs including ‘Touchstone’, to unique art ware pieces such as this Holbein tyg by Noke himself. 

This particular piece is a one-off example by the art director himself and dates to the 1890s. All decorated and painted by hand, I haven’t seen the same shape with this character before.

The character in question is Touchstone, that most famous of court jesters featured in Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’. He is a court Jester, used throughout the play to both provide a public voice of reason or challenge, and humour, sometimes vulgar humour, fitting the archetypal Shakespearean fool. 

Around the turn of the 20th Century there were many exciting introduction at Doulton’s Burslem studios, many the brainchildren of the famous Charles Noke. Holbein ware (1895-1915) is a typical example of Noke’s experimentation with glazes and bodies. Holbein wares give the impression of old masters through the use of yellow, green and brown slip on a cream earthenware body. Portraits on these vases were typically by Harry Tittensor and Walter Nunn among others. Incidentally this name of ware was also given to a series of items of art nouveau shape including candlesticks and oil lamp bases. Further Holbein pieces not featuring portraits but rather nocturnal animals including owls also appear. This ware had a special backstamp but it was not always used, creating certain confusion about this particular ware. This ware should not be confused with Rembrandt ware.

Thanks to Lion and Unicorn Auctions for use of the images. This lot is coming up 22 June 2025 @ 17.00.