Antique Biscuit Barrel Appraisal

Grimwades Winton Chinoiserie Ceramic Biscuit Barrel

This is a vintage ceramic biscuit barrel, often referred to as a cookie jar or 'rolling' cracker jar, featuring a prominent Chinoiserie aesthetic. The piece is constructed from glazed earthenware with a distinctive mustard-yellow or buff-colored ground. The central decorative motif depicts a classic Oriental landscape, featuring a multi-tiered pagoda, green stylized rockery, and a blossoming cherry blossom tree, rendered in hand-painted enamels of green, black, red, and brown. The frame and structural components appear to be silver-plated or chrome-plated metal, which encases the spherical ceramic body. A wide band of dark blue or black geometric patterning with gilded accents circles the equator of the piece, adding to its Art Deco influence. Based on the provided context, the item bears the markings 'G B & sons London made in England 2928,' which identifies the distributor as Grimwade Brothers, likely part of their 'Royal Winton' line produced during the early 20th century (circa 1920s-1930s). The condition shows light surface wear to the metal plating and minor crazing typical of aged English earthenware. The craftsmanship is high, indicative of a decorative household piece intended for the middle-to-upper-class tabletop market of the period.