Jug

Description

Four-gallon size jug. Slightly flared shoulders tapering to top center spout with flared lip. Molded handle opposite stamp and decorated area, joined at the lip and shoulder. Thickly applied cobalt glaze decoration with bubbled surface depicts two wing-like shapes surmounted by a curling leaf or vine and a row of trailed spots along the upper edge. Neck stamped, with cobalt-brushed lettering: "From // E. Fowler // New Lebanon, N.Y // 4". Salt-glazed exterior; brown Albany slip-glazed interior. Bears labels below and to the left of the handle for White-wood Bark.

Notes

Jug likely part of an order of stoneware vessels made for the Shakers, for the use of the Shaker Medicine Department, which was for a time under the direction of Brother Edward Fowler. Attribution to the Albany Stoneware Company made because another piece stamped with Brother Edward Fowler's name is also stamped with that pottery's name. See also the museum blog post on the subject: https://shakerml.wordpress.com/tag/pottery/