Syrup Jug 1852 - 1858

This Syrup Jug was made by the United States Pottery Company in the late 19th century. The tactile qualities of this piece are immediately apparent. The textured, deep ochre background invites touch, contrasted against the smooth, ivory-colored floral reliefs and handle shaped like a branch. The jug's design uses a semiotic interplay of form and function, and its materiality is integral to its meaning. The contrast between the refined floral motifs and the rustic texture of the background creates a compelling tension. The floral patterns appear to emerge organically from the surface, challenging the viewer's perception of depth and dimensionality. The handle, resembling a natural branch, adds a layer of artifice to the object, blurring the boundaries between nature and art. Ultimately, this Syrup Jug encapsulates the era's fascination with both the natural world and the possibilities of industrial art, inviting us to reconsider the relationship between utility, beauty, and the complex structures of representation.