Jug 1875 - 1885

Christopher Dresser created this earthenware jug during the late 19th century, a time when Victorian society was grappling with industrialization, class divisions, and the rapidly changing roles of women. Dresser was at the forefront of the Aesthetic Movement, which sought to redefine beauty and taste in an era dominated by mass production. The jug's unconventional form, a departure from traditional European ceramics, is rooted in Dresser's deep study of Japanese art and design. Asymmetrical and organic, it recalls both a gourd and the patterns of nature, and may be interpreted as a critique of rigid Victorian social norms. Dresser once stated, "The love of the beautiful is a refining element in man's nature," a philosophy that is embodied in the jug's harmonious blend of form and function. The jug is more than just a vessel; it's an invitation to reconsider our relationship with art, nature, and society. It challenges us to question conventional ideas of beauty and to recognize the potential for art to inspire social change.