This substantial "Etruscan" shape jug accommodates large, well-rounded and detailed relief figures while still leaving plenty of unadorned, rich lilac-colored surface to admire. The figures, familiar from Wedgwood pieces of other sizes and forms, are derived from Lady Elizabeth Templeton's "Offering to Peace." Classically attired females bearing objects for ritual sacrifice process toward the priestess and smoking brazier centered at the front of the jug. A putto or two add to the ancient atmosphere.

Bands of an elaborate ornamental frieze accent key points of the "Etruscan " form, and acanthus trims the joins of the handle.

Robin Reilly illustrates a blue and white tablet, c. 1790, showing Lady Templeton's processional scene from the Nottingham Castle Museum. Templeton's design seems to have provided the pottery with a rich source of figures that were used in a mix-and-match fashion well into the modern era (Wedgwood I, col. pl.155).

We employ an informal "rule of thumb" when considering the dimension of yet unseen pieces--a jug eight inches or higher will generally be perceived as a BIG jug, offering maximum visual impact for its size. This example conforms nicely to our observation. The vessel would likely have been intended more for decor than for routine use.