Silenus
Jug
ca. 1845 (designed)
ca. 1845 (designed)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
The first relief-moulded stoneware jugs were produced in about 1820, and were cheaper and easier to produce than the earlier sprig moulding which demanded more skill. Popular designs included hunting, sporting, historical and military scenes, biblical and mythological themes, drinking, hop and grape picking, wheatstalks and harvest, flowers and foliage.
Design & Designing
Minton's designed the 'Silenus' jug in about 1831 and it proved to be one of their most popular earlier designs, to such an extent that it was copied by Mason and by Doulton. It was first issued in light green, then dark green. This blue version is model number 235. Minton even issued the jug in an experimental pre-Parian version though this is quite rare.
Subject Depicted
Silenus was a god of Bacchus' retinue. A merry, rotund old drunkard, he was nevertheless credited with wisdom and prophetic powers. He is usually shown leading Bacchus' triumphal procession, on an ass and supported by satyrs.
The first relief-moulded stoneware jugs were produced in about 1820, and were cheaper and easier to produce than the earlier sprig moulding which demanded more skill. Popular designs included hunting, sporting, historical and military scenes, biblical and mythological themes, drinking, hop and grape picking, wheatstalks and harvest, flowers and foliage.
Design & Designing
Minton's designed the 'Silenus' jug in about 1831 and it proved to be one of their most popular earlier designs, to such an extent that it was copied by Mason and by Doulton. It was first issued in light green, then dark green. This blue version is model number 235. Minton even issued the jug in an experimental pre-Parian version though this is quite rare.
Subject Depicted
Silenus was a god of Bacchus' retinue. A merry, rotund old drunkard, he was nevertheless credited with wisdom and prophetic powers. He is usually shown leading Bacchus' triumphal procession, on an ass and supported by satyrs.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Silenus (manufacturer's title) |
| Materials and techniques | White stoneware |
| Brief description | 'Silenus' jug |
| Dimensions |
|
| Gallery label | British Galleries:
Minton & Co. had one of the largest stands at the Great Exhibition. Not all their exhibits were new designs. This jug remained popular for many years. The design name was originally 'Bacchus', who is depicted on the reverse. Both Silenus and Bacchus are figures of classical myth associated with alcohol and merrymaking.(27/03/2003) |
| Credit line | Given by H. M. Commissioners for the Exhibition of 1851 |
| Summary | Object Type The first relief-moulded stoneware jugs were produced in about 1820, and were cheaper and easier to produce than the earlier sprig moulding which demanded more skill. Popular designs included hunting, sporting, historical and military scenes, biblical and mythological themes, drinking, hop and grape picking, wheatstalks and harvest, flowers and foliage. Design & Designing Minton's designed the 'Silenus' jug in about 1831 and it proved to be one of their most popular earlier designs, to such an extent that it was copied by Mason and by Doulton. It was first issued in light green, then dark green. This blue version is model number 235. Minton even issued the jug in an experimental pre-Parian version though this is quite rare. Subject Depicted Silenus was a god of Bacchus' retinue. A merry, rotund old drunkard, he was nevertheless credited with wisdom and prophetic powers. He is usually shown leading Bacchus' triumphal procession, on an ass and supported by satyrs. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | CIRC.186-1957 |
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| Record created | May 25, 1999 |
| Record URL |
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