Jug 1790 - 1820

Curator: Here we have a jug, estimated to have been crafted sometime between 1790 and 1820. It's attributed to Nathaniel Seymour, currently held here at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. What strikes you first about this earthenware piece? Editor: That floral decoration leaps out—sort of abstracted roses and foliage against that deep, almost rustic brown glaze. There's a sense of burgeoning, an unruly energy tamed within the jug’s simple form. It feels like an object meant to be used, but also to carry meaning. Curator: Indeed. The form speaks volumes about its intended use. Consider its societal role at that time; jugs like these would have been common household items. Vessels not just for water, but perhaps also cider, beer… necessities for daily life. Their presence in homes was commonplace. Editor: And it is interesting how it elevates the everyday through its ornamentation. The stylized floral patterns remind me of motifs that frequently symbolized prosperity, fertility, and domestic harmony. It becomes more than just a container; it embodies aspirations for the household it serves. Curator: Exactly, the design elements highlight this, especially when you consider the political and social landscape in that period of American expansion. Practical needs combined with expressions of hope. And the relative ubiquity of similar pieces really illustrates the pervasiveness of certain beliefs across that society. Editor: The somewhat naive execution of the design adds to the charm. There’s an unrefined quality, lacking pretense, suggesting perhaps a personal or regional touch, making it feel even more intimate. Almost as if the very landscape it was drawn from marked its creation. Curator: I agree. By placing this in its original context, the jug offers insights into ordinary lives, beyond grand narratives, revealing shared needs and symbols that grounded people. Editor: Looking closer, it's the way that floral image interacts with that clay, I just appreciate the deep historical resonance created when a physical symbol meets social use and visual story all at once. A whole history is stored inside it. Curator: Precisely; from earthenware craft to home and symbol, this humble jug now carries a fascinating story within its glaze.