Jug 1800 - 1810

This creamware jug, made in England by the Herculaneum Pottery Company, is a great example of how industry intersects with art. The jug’s body was likely formed using industrial processes of ceramic manufacture, which allowed for standardized shapes, but also a smooth surface, which provided a canvas for decoration. The portrait of George Washington was applied using a transfer-printing technique, which allowed for the mass production of detailed images. The simple geometric decoration around the rim and spout adds a touch of refinement, contrasting with the stark monochrome portrait of the president. Transfer-printing on ceramics was a specialized skill, requiring careful registration and firing. The jug was likely intended for export to the United States, where it would have been purchased as a commemorative item. By considering these aspects of material, making, and context, we can fully appreciate the cultural and economic forces behind this humble object.