A Stoneware Jug Decorated with Applied Flowers Attributed to the Charles Hermann Pottery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Through the years, I have noticed examples of nineteenth century stoneware decorated with applied flowers often attributed to the Mid Atlantic region and Ohio. However, while studying some examples of pottery made in Wisconsin last week, I noticed that this stoneware jug with very similar applied floral decoration is in the collection of the Wisconsin Historical Society. 

According to the historical society, "The jug was made at the Charles Hermann pottery by Herman's daughter Adolf (Ella) Hagemann. Presumably, Hagemann applied the molded clay flowers to a jug thrown by a member of her father's staff. 

In 1856, Swiss immigrant Charles Hermann established the largest and longest-lived stoneware manufactory in Milwaukee. As Hermann's dock workers shoveled tons of clay brought by boat from Ohio and Illinois, his potters and kiln operators crafted utilitarian wares such as bottles, churns, crocks and jars for sale throughout the region. He later entered into a partnership with his stepson Louis M. Pierron who became sole owner of the company in 1886. Only a few years later, Hermann died in Milwaukee in 1892."

Jug Decorated with Flowers Attributed to the Charles Hermann Pottery in Milwaukee, WI

19th Century Stoneware Jug Decorated with Flowers

Attributed to the Charles Hermann Pottery in Milwaukee, WI

Circa 1885

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Photo Courtesy: Wisconsin Historical Society

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