Jug
late 18th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
The use of beer jugs to promote political causes began in the 1770s, when huge numbers of overglaze black prints were added to creamwares and pearlwares. This jug celebrates Britain’s imperial achievements in trade and commerce. On one side is printed an image of a figure symbolising Britannia, who sits enthroned, with shield and lion to her side, receiving tributes from four female figures who represent the Four Continents. ‘Africa’ is foremost. She kneels on one knee and holds out a string of beads. Behind her an ivory tusk is just visible. Above the scene is written ‘COMMERCE REVIVED’. On the reverse side of the jug is an image of a three-masted ship flying the red ensign, adopted as the official flag of the Merchant Navy in 1864.
Despite the confidence in the commercial strength of the empire suggested by the images on the jug, Britain’s dominance would be threatened by the loss of thirteen mainland American colonies in the War of Independence (1775-1783).
Despite the confidence in the commercial strength of the empire suggested by the images on the jug, Britain’s dominance would be threatened by the loss of thirteen mainland American colonies in the War of Independence (1775-1783).
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Earthenware transfer-printed with black enamel and over-painted with enamels |
| Brief description | Beer-jug of cream coloured earthenware transfer-printed with black enamel and over-painted with enamels, probably Staffordshire, late 18th century. |
| Physical description | Beer-jug of cream coloured earthenware transfer-printed with black enamel and over-painted with enamels. Barrel-shaped with a projecting lip and loop handle. On one side a scene of figures representing the Four Continents pay tribute to the figure of Britannia, with 'COMMERCE REVIVED' above, and on the other a three-masted ship fly the red ensign. On the front are a laurel and a palm branch enclosing the initials 'T.E.'. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions |
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| Gallery label | Beer jug depicting the end of the Anglo-American war
Probably made at the Herculaneum Pottery, Liverpool, about 1810-1815
Inscribed: 'Commerce Revived'
Lead-glazed earthenware with transfer-printed decoration
3642-1901(23/05/2008) |
| Credit line | Transferred from the Museum of Practical Geology, Jermyn Street |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | The use of beer jugs to promote political causes began in the 1770s, when huge numbers of overglaze black prints were added to creamwares and pearlwares. This jug celebrates Britain’s imperial achievements in trade and commerce. On one side is printed an image of a figure symbolising Britannia, who sits enthroned, with shield and lion to her side, receiving tributes from four female figures who represent the Four Continents. ‘Africa’ is foremost. She kneels on one knee and holds out a string of beads. Behind her an ivory tusk is just visible. Above the scene is written ‘COMMERCE REVIVED’. On the reverse side of the jug is an image of a three-masted ship flying the red ensign, adopted as the official flag of the Merchant Navy in 1864. Despite the confidence in the commercial strength of the empire suggested by the images on the jug, Britain’s dominance would be threatened by the loss of thirteen mainland American colonies in the War of Independence (1775-1783). |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 3642-1901 |
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| Record created | June 1, 2006 |
| Record URL |
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