Jug 1829 - 1832

Curator: It’s incredibly delicate! It looks almost like it shouldn't be touched. Editor: Precisely. Today, we're exploring "Jug," crafted by Tucker and Hemphill between 1829 and 1832. It resides here at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This piece showcases early 19th-century American porcelain, embodying the decorative arts tradition of Romanticism. Curator: That gold trim really pops. It delineates form, and adds richness to an otherwise subdued floral composition. Is that typical? Editor: The gilding accentuates the molded form, yes. The white porcelain body and the vibrant floral decoration signal access to imported materials and skilled labor. Pieces like these were symbols of prosperity and social status in the burgeoning United States. Curator: Right, thinking about the conditions of its making… Who would be involved? The extraction of materials, division of labor in production, and how that reflects class dynamics must be quite significant. Editor: Absolutely, from mining the kaolin clay to the artisans decorating the piece, there's an intricate web of labor involved. However, from a formalist perspective, the balance between the clean, undecorated spaces and areas full of design also produces a visual harmony. Consider how the curved handle plays against the body of the jug. Curator: It looks top heavy actually. Editor: True! It almost shouldn't stand still. Though this is still a marvel. Note how the clustered botanical details enhance the handle and curved silhouette while making this piece stand out! Curator: I’m just compelled by how a simple jug speaks volumes about the material conditions and ambitions of its time. Editor: For me, the visual harmony elevates what could have been simply utilitarian object to something quite special and valuable beyond just what materials made up its shape, but how.