Jug

Object NameJug

Manufacturer Wedgwood (English (Stoke-on-Trent, England), founded 1759)

Datec. 1810

MediumRosso antico with black basalt

Dimensions3 3/8 x 4 1/4 x 3 1/8 in. (8.6 x 10.8 x 7.9 cm)

ClassificationsDecorative Arts, Ceramics

Credit LineGift of M. Burton Drexler. In the M. Burton Drexler Collection, Brunnier Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

Object numberUM2013.593

Status

Not on view

Collections

Decorative Arts

CultureEnglish

Label TextThe decorative motif on the Jug is an example of the first wave of “Egyptomania” that spread throughout England and Europe in the early 19th century. When Napoleon entered Egypt in 1798 with the intent to conquer the land, he brought with him scientists and artists. While Napoleon failed in his mission, those artists and scientists succeeded in documenting this exotic land, through descriptions and detailed drawings of the many ancient monuments they encountered. The publication and dispersal of prints made from the drawings excited many designers and architects, who began to incorporate the exotic new motifs into their designs. This small jug made of redware, or antico rosso as Wedgwood named it (even that name invokes ideas of antiquity), includes a band of black decoration based on Egyptian design elements. Included in University Museums’ Wedgwood collection of over 300 objects are more fantastical Egyptian inspired designs such as a covered sugar bowl with sphinxes and similar designs as the jug, but topped with a crocodile as the finial. Again, Wedgwood used popular taste and trends as a marketing tool to sell more wares. Josiah Wedgwood passed away in 1795, but he left a successful business model that continued for the firm as it moved into the 19th century.

MarkingsImpressed WEDGWOOD and 2.

Locations