A pear shape jug with flaring handle and spout bears a molded relief design based on the b...
A pear shape jug with flaring handle and spout bears a molded relief design based on the blossoms and foliage of the water or pond lily. Large upright blossoms--slightly different on each side--rise from a cluster of buds and pads to form the major motif. The same plant materials worked into a horizontal garland follows the line of the upper rim. The slightly translucent parian body has received an orange peel texture as well as a dark blue ground color in the mold, both elements providing a contrast that strongly highlights the floral groups.
English pottery provided the model for pioneering American potters in design as well as technical aspects. The Bennington jug is closely modeled on--or perhaps even cast from--the 1851 "Nymphea" jug by Copeland, a pottery that was itself a pioneer in parian production. The presence of a mark is key to distinguishing the Bennington version, which is due special status as an early example of American made porcelain.