Face Jug c. 1860

This Face Jug, created by an anonymous artist around 1860, is a testament to the unique artistic expression of the American South. Crafted from stoneware, the jug's distinctive feature is the human face molded onto its surface. The exaggerated features, including large eyes and a wide mouth, demonstrate the artist's skill in capturing the essence of human expression through a simplistic yet powerful form. Face Jugs, often attributed to enslaved African Americans, served both practical and symbolic purposes. They were used for storing and transporting liquids, but their expressive faces also conveyed cultural identity and resilience. Today, the jug resides at the Art Institute of Chicago, a reminder of the artistry and cultural significance of this historic form.