Tan Stoneware Jug c. 1939

This Tan Stoneware Jug was made by George Loughridge sometime in the 20th century. Its primary material is stoneware, a dense and non-porous clay fired at high temperatures. The jug's form is determined by the way stoneware responds to gravity in the kiln. It also speaks to the labor involved: hand-thrown on a wheel, shaped and fired, with an applied handle. The potter’s hands give this jug its character, a gentle asymmetry reflecting the human touch. The jug’s utilitarian design speaks to its intended use for storage, perhaps of water, milk, or whiskey. It is an item of vernacular design and a contrast to the mass-produced alternatives that began to appear during the 19th century. In appreciating this jug, we can consider not only its aesthetic qualities, but also the tradition of craftsmanship and labor it represents. The jug serves as a reminder of the skills and knowledge embedded in the making of functional objects.