Mug
1882–1900
Medium
Earthenware, slip, and lead, copper, and manganese oxide glazes
Dimensions
H.: 18.4 cm (7 1/4 in.)
Classification
drinking vessel
Department
Arts of the Americas
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
73432
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Extending from Pennsylvania to Virginia, the Shenandoah Valley was a prime area for ceramic production due to its abundance of red clays. Made in Strasburg, Virginia, this mug is part of a rich history of pottery in the region; the Bell family of potters originated in the late eighteenth century. S. Bell and Sons was a maker of both stoneware and earthenware. On this mug, manganese and copper glazes produced green and brown mottled shades, which gave Shenandoah Valley pottery its distinctive aes...