Scottish pottery spirit flask, Souter Johnnie, Portobello, c. 1830.

SOLD A rare and large Scottish pottery spirit flask, c. 1830. Very well modelled as the head and shoulders of ‘Souter Johnnie’, wearing a bow tie, his cap forming the spout of the flask, and having a large loop handle to the rear. Decorated in typical coloured glazes, and having distinctive ‘dash’ eyebrows. Height – 18 cm, 7 1/8” Width – 17 cm, 6 6/8”. Depth – 17.5 cm, 6 7/8”. Condition – Excellent. No damage. No restoration. The glaze is particularly clean. Robbie Burns’ famous poem ‘Tam O’Shanter’ details the legend of two Ayrshire farmers who were great drinking partners. After a particularly heavy session, they flee the scene of witches dancing with the Devil, in the ruined kirk at Alloway. The two characters are believed to have been bases on real life Kirkoswald neighbours Douglas Graham and John Davidson, who were renowned for returning home, somewhat worse for wear, after market day in Ayr. John Davidsons cottage remains, and is now maintained by the Scottish National Trust.