With its red transfer view of Schenectady, New York, this Jackson jug illustrates the enterprise which flourished in the region in the first half of the nineteenth century while appealing to the pride of its prosperous inhabitants.  The city is viewed across the Mohawk River from a spot near what we imagine to be two large commercial warehouses.  The roofs and spires of the town convey a sense of progress and civic accomplishment in the new republic.

Complimenting their opulent pattern, the Jacksons have provided a softly ribbed, footed jug with elaborate handle and molded detail around the scalloped rim.  They have finished the pattern with a unique border of flowers and peacock feathers which is repeated around the inside of the rim and extends down the exterior of the handle.  

Ellouise Baker Larsen in American Historical Views on Staffordshire China notes that the view is based on a painting by W.G. Wall which was reproduced in an 1830 volume by Fenner, Sears & Co. The engraving is titled "A Distant View of Skenectady (Schenectady) on the Mohawk River."  More on this volume can be found in the Seekers Journal feature on the Catskill Mountain House (link at upper right corner of this page).