The flattened round "Moon" shape, popular for Japanese style ceramics during the Aesthetic period, forms the body of this richly molded stoneware jug. The flat sides are adorned with crane and branch and swallow and branch vignettes--typical for the period, but accented here in dramatically contrasting glazes and gilt touches. A shallow impressed floral relief forms a ground pattern, further enriching the jug's impact. The brown glazed collar receives a gilded pattern of circular Japanese crests or "mons," another motif characteristic of the style.

Slater's Patent, referring to John Slater one of the potteries artistic directors, refers to the technique for creating the fine impressed relief on the jug's body. This process involved pressing actual lace into the surface of the soft clay. The term "chine" (pronounced "sheenay") also refers to these wares. 

The mons decoration of the collar is typical of the sophisticated  patterns Doulton assumed from the Pinder Bourne Pottery which was acquired by Doulton in 1878.