1975 Figural Pitcher/Jug--Salvadore Dali--marked BERE VIII w/date-Art pottery

Description

Lot is for a very unique art pottery jug.  This one has markings showing being made in 1975, and has the word Bere and the Roman numeral VIII on the bottom of the jug.  The jug is a surrealist figural featuring the image of artist Salvadore Dali with a hat on.
Jug is made from clay, and has a glazing that is subtle.  The jug measures 10 1/2" tall by 6" wide by 7" at the handle.  It is an orange-brown with black and dark green highlight painting.  Surface combines rough and smooth clay work.  The jug's head is the face of noted surrealist artist Salvadore Dali.   The black hat at the top does not remove; it is part of the head of the jug.   There is a line around the neck of the image, and it appears that the head may have cracked off and been re-attached during a drying period.  It is not weak at the line, and there are no other apparent cracks or breaks on the head or the attached handle (at either end of the handle), so it may be a style feature.
The hat has a vent hole behind the peak, and there are two holes at the back of the head at the join of the handle (likely for putting a leather strap through to hang the jug).  The handle has an extruded nipple just below the curve with a hole opening.  This is similar to some Peruvian or central American jugs.  The body of the jug is formed to appear as a black jacket with a ruffled finish, and large black buttons with green backers.  There is a green stylized collar around the neck of the figure.
A very unique and possibly rare vintage art pottery piece.