A Wonderful 19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Purchased at the 59th Annual NHADA Show

Yesterday, I acquired a small nineteenth-century red earthenware jug from Limington, Maine antiques dealer, Bill Kelly at the 59th annual New Hampshire Antique Dealers Association Show in Manchester, New Hampshire. The form of the object slightly resembles jugs made in southeastern Massachusetts in the late-eighteenth and early-nineteenth-centuries. But I do not believe there is a relationship. The base and the handle do not look correct for what is known about red earthenware production in that part of Massachusetts today.

However, the Litchfield, Connecticut Historical Society owns a similar jug (missing its handle) in its collection. The museum reportedly acquired the jug in 1971. There is no attribution provided, but I would not be surprised to learn if the museum's jug was made in Connecticut or Massachusetts.

The similarities can be found in the unusual glaze, the matching small size, the lip and the incised lines, which have taken on a yellowish or gold-color from the glaze. I am skeptical if this color is the result of slip-decoration; although, slip was a very popular tool applied on red earthenware in Connecticut in the eighteenth and nineteenth-centuries.

These are the only two objects like this that I am currently aware of in existence today. I feel the combination of the form, the glaze and the skill are wonderful!

Jug Acquired Yesterday at the NHADA Show

 Early-19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Missing a Handle

Possibly Made in Connecticut or Massachusetts

Circa 1800-1840

Stands 4 1/2" Tall
Purchased Yesterday at the 59th Annual New Hampshire Antique Dealers Association Show
Purchased from Limington, Maine Antiques Dealer, Bill Kelly

 Another View of the Jug

View of the Handle

Jug Owned by the Litchfield Historical Society

Early-19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Missing a Handle

Possibly Made in Connecticut or Massachusetts

Circa 1800-1840

Stands 4 1/2" Tall

Acquired by the Museum in 1971

Photo Courtesy: Litchfield, Connecticut Historical Society

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