Jug
Dateca. 1724-1740
MediumStoneware, salt-glazed, gray with blue and purple
DimensionsOverall: 10 x 7 3/8 x 8 9/16in. (25.4 x 18.7 x 21.7cm)
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1963-57
DescriptionGray salt-glazed stoneware jug with an applied "GR" medallion that incorporates the date 1724 near the base and the mark of a mold maker or potter "HPW" near the top of the badge. Foliate decoration against a blue (cobalt) background surrounds the medallion. A band of tooled knebis decoration separates the decoration on the front of the jug from the sides and handle sections. The cordoned neck is highlighted with purple (manganese).Label TextA number of jugs among the “GR” wares are noteworthy for the inclusion of initials within their applied badges that may represent mold makers or perhaps pottery owners. There are two main groups of these vessels. The less common examples include the letters “HP” conjoined to the left of the crown and “W” to the right, with the date “1724” divided at the base of the badge beneath the cherub’s wings. It is tempting to believe that “1724” indicates the date of manufacture, but features such as cordoned as opposed to rilled necks and the absence or presence of manganese coloring are evidence that the mold for this badge was used over a long period. Fragments of jugs with these initials and “1724” have been excavated from the Anthony Hay House, Hay cabinetmaking shop, and Governor’s Palace in Williamsburg. Intriguingly, an intact jug with this badge was also unearthed in Lauzoua on the Ivory Coast of West Africa by a member of the Dida tribe who associated the find with ancestral grave goods.
InscribedDated 1724. "G R"
MarkingsThe letters "hpw" are worked into the applied medallion on the front of the vessel. The conjoined letters "hp" are on one side of the badge and "w" is on the other.
ProvenancePurchased from F. S. Thomas, London ***
