This stoneware jug with floral cobalt decoration is a classic example of 19th-century utilitarian pottery elevated by bold, decorative artistry. Wheel-thrown from dense, salt-glazed stoneware, the jug features a bulbous body, sturdy handle, and narrow neck —designed for storing liquids like molasses, vinegar, or whiskey.
What sets it apart is the freehand cobalt blue floral motif, brushed on before firing. These stylized flowers—often tulips, sprays, or abstract foliate forms—were applied with a quick, confident hand using a cobalt slip that turned a vibrant blue in the kiln. The decoration served both as a maker’s mark and a touch of beauty in an otherwise utilitarian vessel.
Jugs like this were produced by potters throughout the Northeastern and central United States, especially in New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, as well as in parts of Europe. Today, they’re prized by collectors for their durability, folk art charm, and the individuality of each hand-painted design—a utilitarian object turned enduring piece of Americana.
Condition: Small crack to rim, firing kiss as made
