Wedgwood's classic club shape jug is certainly one of the potteries most graceful and versatile designs. Here it is executed in basalt and left beautifully unadorned except for Wedgwood's "Fruiting" border of grape clusters and leaves in the earthy orange of "Rosso Antico."

The use of rosso relief on black is far less frequently seen than the reverse combination. Reilly states that basalt sprigging would not adhere on a rosso base and that a special brown/black body was developed for that purpose (Wedgwood II, p. 446, il. 707). In this red on black jug the base certainly appears to be the normal basalt formulation.

The color combination--recalling the colors of ancient red and black vases--would have conjured up a sense of antiquity for Wedgwood's audience. The grape motif adds a Mediterranean touch that is totally in keeping.