EarlyAmericanCeramics.com: A Possible Origin for Two 19th Century Red Earthenware Puzzle Jugs

Thursday, August 10, 2017

A Possible Origin for Two 19th Century Red Earthenware Puzzle Jugs

This is a pair of nineteenth century red earthenware puzzle jugs that I feel may have been made at the Charles A. Lawrence Pottery in Beverly, Massachusetts, circa 1866-1906. I do not believe this form has ever been tied to the New England potter's industry; although, locally made examples have been recovered in eighteenth century archaeological contexts in Philadelphia. It is also believed that similar objects were made in the counties in Pennsylvania in the late-eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Nevertheless, the style of the slip, the heavy potting, the color of the glaze and the rounded foot found at the base on this first small puzzle jug are all characteristics that the Lawrence Pottery is known for today. This jug sold in Kelly Young's Collection from Texas at Crocker Farm in Sparks, Maryland in January 2010.

I have also posted a picture from another red earthenware puzzle jug, which was sold in the Bernard B. Hillman Collection from New Jersey at Pook & Pook in Downington, Pennsylvania in January 2016. I believe this jug was manufactured at the same potter's business; this jug is also decorated with banded incised lines, which is a style of decoration that is also known to have been used at the Beverly Pottery.

Note: While there are a number of characteristics found on these two objects, which are certainly comparable to what was produced at the Charles A. Lawrence Pottery in Beverly, Massachusetts after 1866, there may be another potter's business that is responsible for these specific objects. But I do feel there is a strong argument that can be made for a Beverly attribution unless there is further evidence that points towards another potter's business.

Small Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Puzzle Jug