North Carolina Art Pottery Jugs

Backcountry Notes ^ | December 1, 2009 | Jay Henderson

[jay1949]

NOTICE: This article is G-rated; it has nothing to do with female anatomy; it concerns ceramic jugs. The utilitarian form called the "jug" -- basically, a fat bottle with a handle -- was dressed up in colorful glazes early in the North Carolina art pottery era, transforming an everyday object into a work of art.

[doodad]

Here in GA as well. I had the luck to meet Mr Metter in the mountains before he was “discovered” and placed in the Smithsonian.

Interesting to see an art unchanged after who knows how many thousand years.

[NC28203]

Proud owner of many pieces of Seagrove and Catawba Valley pottery. I love our face jugs. We even commissioned one of the Seagrove potters to produce table settings for our wedding registry, as opposed to China from the department store.

[MinuteGal]

An interesting slice of Americana......and a visual treat.

Thanks for posting and adding to our knowledge of this country's historical and cultural past.

Leni

[Roses0508]

A trip to Seagrove is a treat in more than one way. My favorite potter in the area has the most beautiful red glazes.

[GoDuke]

I’ve got a little piece I made in school when we went on a field trip to Jugtown Pottery. I also have some from Cole’s Pottery in Sanford.

[jstaff]

I have a couple face jugs that I use to serve up my homemade cordials. It’s hard to tell if people like the booze or the jugs more.

[Oorang]

Another good article on some beautiful pottery, thanks Jay.

[kalee]

We have some pieces from Seagrove.

[fso301]

They left out the most important one:

[MinuteGal]

I suppose "face jugs" are just what they say they are, LOL. However, does anyone have a photo of face jug art to post so we can take a gander?

Sounds interesting. Maybe our equivalent of old British toby mugs???

Leni

[NC28203]

>>>However, does anyone have a photo of face jug art to post so we can take a gander?

Try these links.
http://www.amerifolk.com/pottery/CharlieLisk/index.php
http://www.amerifolk.com/pottery/FaceJugs/index.php -scroll down to see examples

[MinuteGal]

Thanks for the instant accomodation to my request! Very nice of you.

Loved what I saw on the "face jugs"......likenesses of Obama's coterie of czars and commissars, to be sure.

LOL!

Leni

[za_claws]

The little town of Seagrove, NC is a wonderful day trip for anyone to take, we have enjoyed going there for years, it has maybe 1 stop light.. 1 or 2 restaurants, a gas station and about 50 pottery studios.

[jay1949]

Thanks for your kind words — glad you enjoyed it

[jay1949]

Thanks for your note — I enjoy posting these pieces and hope others enjoy reading them.

[jay1949]

Always nice to hear from Seagrove Pottery fans. When I was a child and youth — long, long ago! — I spent summers on my grandparents’ farm in the Whynot community, next to Seagrove. It is a special place.