The products of a bountiful agricultural season--wheat, grapes, and hops--are displayed in arch shaped panels on the front and reverse of Ridgway and Abington's high-shouldered, tan stoneware "Harvest" jug. Close examination will reveal that the sprays of produce appear to hang from loops in the ornamental border, suggesting harvest trophies proudly displayed at some rustic celebration.

Each panel is enhanced top and bottom with strapwork devices--ornaments composed of flattened bands that interlock to form intricate geometric designs. The individual ornaments visually merge to constitute horizontal borders on the collar and above the narrow projecting foot. The oval motif from these devices is repeated on the dignified handle.

The "Harvest" jug, dating from 1848 reflects two important design trends of the time.

First is the reaction against elaborate sculptural jug forms with projecting heads and limbs that were awkward to handle and difficult to clean. While certainly ornate, the regular shape and the low relief of the "Harvest" jug makes it a much more practical vessel.

In addition, the strapwork devices, a tradition that can be  traced to sixteenth-century Italian design, reflects the mid-century interest in Renaissance design. Employed since the Renaissance in a variety of settings and media, strapwork will be recognized by today's tourists from the ceilings of noble European houses and of Gilded Age American mansions that sought to emulate those houses.