America and Independence Dark Blue Cream Jug

Circa 1820s: English potters James and Ralph Clews created the popular America and Independence dark blue transferware series, which is also commonly called the States pattern because of the swag border with the printed names of the first fifteen American states, a symbolic unification of everything within our young democracy's expanding boundaries. This transfer also features images of Lady Liberty and George Washington and was made with several different romantic views, including University Building with Six Chimneys, Sheep on Lawn, which is pictured on this fine 6" tall (to top of handle) cream jug. Most handled pieces of historical Staffordshire are in severe disrepair because of the nature of soft paste pottery combined with their utilitarian function and great age, but this nearly 200-year-old example is a rare survivor that remains in excellent condition with no cracks or repairs and only extemely minor wear and minute flaking on the handle.