Past Imperfect, The Art of Inventive Repair

It is unusual to see a large and stout jug of this type, so you can imagine how thrilled I was to find one with such an impressive inventive repair. This American yellow ware mocha jug is decorated with a washed out blue slip seaweed pattern on a wide white band along side two narrow blue bands

I found this wonderful addition to my collection in Maine this summer, but the dealer I purchased it from originally found it in Pennsylvania

Jug measures 9-1/4″ high

Due to the sheer weight of this piece, a replaced tin handle was firmly attached to the body by means of an elaborate metal truss, encompassing the rim, spout and base

Another jug with similar form and decoration has its original applied handle and looks quite different without the metal armor of my jug

Photo courtesy of Antique Associates at West Townsend

This mochaware/yellow ware jug has certainly seen better days. It has survived almost 200 years somewhat intact but bears the scars of neglect, including cracks, chips, a worn base, and the complete loss of its original handle

It is modestly decorated with simple white and green glazed incised bands and scattered brown leaf sprigs

Jug measures 5-1/2″ tall and is marked “3A3” on the bottom. The original applied handle was repaired with tin replacement around 100 years ago

The applied handle on this intact yellow ware jug gives an idea of what my sad jug’s original handle may have looked like

photo courtesy of Martyn Edgell Antiques