Jug 1882 - 1886

This stoneware jug was created by Haviland & Co. Notice how the jug's rounded form contrasts with the angular handle, creating a tension between organic and geometric shapes. The overall color palette consists of earthy browns, providing a sense of grounding, yet the addition of gilded leaves introduces a visual hierarchy, drawing the eye upwards and accentuating the jug's contours. The textured surface hints at the jug's history and the handmade nature of the piece. The subtle gradations in tone invite a tactile engagement, as if we might understand the vessel better through touch. These patterns suggest an underlying structure that gives meaning to the whole. Ultimately, the jug is a semiotic object, speaking to us through its forms and textures. It's a reminder that art is not just about aesthetic beauty but about engaging with the world in a thoughtful, critical way.