Jug

Art Historical Context

This modest earthenware jug, crafted by an unknown artist between 180 and 1830, the everyday artistry of early 19th-century America. Standing just 13.4 cm (5¼ in.) tall, it belongs to the Art Institute of Chicago's Department Arts of the Americas, classified simply as a vessel. Earthenware, made from low-fired clay, a practical medium for household items like this, prized for its affordability and durability in rural or frontier settings. In the context of post-Revolutionary America, such jugs were essential for storing and pouring liquids like water, milk, or ale. Produced by anonymous potte...