A Rare Mid-18th-Century English Antique Delftware Tile, Entitled “The Tithe Pig”, Printed By Sadler & Green, Liverpool, Circa 1760

A mid-18th-Century English antique tin-glazed earthenware tile. 

Transfer printed in black with a scene entitled “The Tithe Pig”. Printed by Sadler and Green, Liverpool.

The “Tithe Pig” story satirizes the resentment many had for the tithe system in England, where farmers were required to give a tenth of their produce, including animals like pigs, to the church. It depicts a farmer’s wife offering a pig in payment, but insisting the clergyman also take her child if he wants the pig, highlighting the hardship the system imposed. 

A number of tiles by Sadler and Green are in a number of collections including the V&A and Fitzwilliam Museums. 

This tile is presented in an associated, contemporary, black frame.

Provenance – Ex-Howell collection of 18th-Century ceramics.

Condition – Please refer to the images. There is surface wear commensurate with age and a crack to the bottom right which has been repaired. and minor surface fritting to the outer edges. The tile displays well. 

Size – 12.5 cm x 12.5 cm (5″ x 5″)