Liverpool Creamware Ship Jug for American Market, Possibly Herculaneum Pottery

Liverpool Creamware Ship Jug.

Possibly Herculaneum Pottery, Liverpool.

Circa 1799-1800  

The large creamware jug decorated on one side with a coloured printed American ship on a green sea with nautical objects in black below- a cannon, flags, swords, , a drum anchor amongst other objects..  There is an inscription under the spout "WS To SC" within a wreath comprised on one side with grasses and the other grapevines, below this is an American Eagle, its wings outstretched with thirteen stars above- an adaptation of the Great Seal. The reverse with a large printed Masonic-subject design including female figures atop tall columns depicting the Three Graces with various symbols within.  

Below the handle is the letter G within a compass  (In many English-speaking countries, the Square and Compass are depicted with the letter "G" in the center.  The letter has multiple meanings, representing different words depending on the context in which it is discussed. The most common is that the "G" stands for Geometry, and is to remind Masons that Geometry and Freemasonry are synonymous terms described as being the "noblest of sciences", and "the basis upon which the superstructure of Freemasonry, and everything in existence in the entire universe is erected. In this context, it can also stand for Great Architect of the Universe (a non-denominational reference to God).

Around one column is the motto Latin words “Audi, Vide, Tace“ which are generally translated as “Hear, see, be silent”.  The expression   Sit Lux Et Lux Fuit is found around the second column. A motto used frequently in Freemasonry, although sometimes written, Lux fiat et Lux fit, signifying Let there be light, and there was light; the strict translation from Hebrew continues, "And the Lord took care of the light, that it was useful, and He divided the light from the darkness." — ( Genesis 1:3 )  The Three Graces are depicted across the top and The All-seeing Eye of the Supreme Being is shown in the centre.  

Dimensions: Height 10 3/4 inches x 11 inches wide x 7 1/2 inches deep.  

Provenance: Gautier Collection, #15 (paper label on base)

Reference: Success to America, Creamware For The American Market featuring the S. Robert Teitelman Collection at Winterthur, S. Robert Teitelman, Patricia A. Halfpenny and Ronald W. Fuchs II, Page 118-119 for a similar jug with the same ship design and the same Masonic design and American Eagle below the spout and Masonic design below the handle.

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

Condition report

Stock number