Napoleon III conscience jug with hand painted tulips

This superb 19th Century French conscience water vessel has six handles that were used for threading through rope for carrying. Originally it probably had yellow glaze, then at some point in history tulips were painted onto the balloon shaped side. There are some cracks to the spout which add to the character of this unique piece.

Conscience jugs have a lovely history - they were used to collect olive oil for the poor after the harvest by the church.