Dudson had a knack for designing perfectly practical, utilitarian jugs while retaining dramatic impact. This large capacity jug has a strong presence largely due to its straightforward profile. Ornamentation is kept shallow, another practical consideration. Texture is provided by a fine orange-peel ground. Four framed panels feature open mouth dragons that morph into ornamental scrollwork. The tapered foot is punctuated with an equally shallow series of  foliage wreaths (an unexpectedly classical touch). It is with the handle--an oriental bird form--that a bit of fancy prevails, but without compromising the virtue of sturdiness.

Information on Dudson wares is still fairly limited, our only reference being Dudson, A Family of Potters Since 1800 by Audrey Dudson.  The identification and attribution of this jug resulted from a chance encounter with well-versed Dudson collector Paul S. Fawcett.