Antique Swedish Handled Jug, 19th Century

Period
19th century, Swedish

Size
5¾ inches tall, 6½ inches across the handle, 4½ inch mouth

A tall Swedish handled jug in cream glazed earthenware, hand-painted with cobalt bands around the body, a blue line at the rim, and small blue sprigs down the handle. The lines were drawn on by hand as the jug turned on the wheel, a technique called banding. The base is stamped with an impressed S and a second, indiscernible mark.

Condition
No chips and no repairs. Multiple stable hairlines, with crazing and staining throughout from age and use.

Historical Context
Banded earthenware was made across Europe through the nineteenth century, plain ground decorated only with lines laid on at the wheel. In Sweden it belonged to the folk pottery tradition, durable everyday ware for the kitchen and table.

Styling Ideas
Holds kitchen utensils, a bunch of stems, or brushes, or stands on its own on a shelf. The blue and cream works with other blue and white and folk pottery.