Cider jug c. 1800

This cider jug, of unknown date and authorship, is made from earthenware with a lustrous black glaze. Consider how the material influences the jug's appearance. Its inherent qualities of substance, texture, weight, color and form are all part of the potter's intent. The jug was likely made on a potter's wheel, a process that has imbued it with cultural significance through skilled traditions of making, alongside that of craft and fine arts. This seemingly simple object speaks volumes about social issues like labor, politics, and consumption. We can only imagine the amount of work involved in the production process, from digging the clay to firing the finished piece. Looking at this jug, it is important to consider materials, making, and context in understanding the full meaning of an artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.