Toby jug 1849 - 1858

This Toby jug was made by the United States Pottery Company, which operated from 1852 onwards, using molded earthenware. The jug’s marbled effect is achieved through the combination of different colored clays, swirled together during the molding process. This technique, known as "agateware", mimics the appearance of natural stone, offering a veneer of luxury to a common material. The jug's production reflects a wider trend in 19th-century ceramics, where industrial techniques were used to create affordable and decorative objects for the growing middle class. The molded form allowed for relatively quick and easy replication, making these kinds of wares widely accessible. The design appropriates the folksy charm of a recognizable character, and the marbling elevates it beyond basic utility. By considering the processes and materials of this Toby jug, we can appreciate how it blurred the boundaries between mass production, artistic expression, and social aspiration.