King Arthur & Guinevere two-sided character jug modeled by Stanley J. Taylor and produced by Royal Doulton of Burslem, England, in 1989. The story of the tragic lovers, Arthur and Guinevere, first appeared in Geoffrey of Monmouth's "Historia Regum Britanniae". These legends were altered and enlarged by other writers such as the story of the Holy Grail and the romance of Lancelot and Guinevere. Arthur, the son of Uther Pendragon, became king at the age of fifteen with the aid of the magical sword, Excalibur. Guinevere, famed throughout history for her enchanting beauty, became his Queen, but she betrayed Arthur by becoming the mistress of Lancelot, the most renowned Knight of the Round Table and one of Arthur's closest friends. Tennyson's "Idylls of the King" tells how Guinevere, declaring she is shamed forever, flees to the nunnery at Almesbury. She is visited there by Arthur who finally forgives her and then departs, leaving the heart broken Guinevere with the nuns. The tale of King Arthur and Lady Guinevere was brought to life in the successful Broadway musical, "Camelot". The handle features Excalibur on King Arthur's side and a chalice on Guinevere's side.
Maker:
Royal Doulton
England
1989
Model #:
D6836
Prototype
character jug
Size:
large
Height:
6 1/2"
