Silenus thumbnail 1
Silenus thumbnail 2
+3
images
On display
Image of Gallery in South Kensington

Silenus

Jug
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.

Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleSilenus (manufacturer's title)
Materials and techniques
White stoneware
Brief description
'Silenus' jug
Dimensions
  • Maximum height: 20.5cm
  • Maximum width: 18.7cm
  • Maximum depth: 11.8cm
Dimensions checked: Measured; 28/05/1999 by Terry Width of base 12.5 cms
Gallery label
(27/03/2003)
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.
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 createdMay 25, 1999
Record URL
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