English Pottery Mocha Banded Blue Slip Jug

Details

Description

English Pearlware Mocha Jug with Bold Blue Slip Banding

This handsome Mocha Jug, dating from circa 1820–1840, is a classic … Read more English Pearlware Mocha Jug with Bold Blue Slip Banding

This handsome Mocha Jug, dating from circa 1820–1840, is a classic example of banded "dipped ware" produced in the English potteries for both domestic and export markets.

The jug features a clean, utilitarian, cylindrical form with a prominent pouring spout and a subtly flared base. It is made from pearlware (a durable earthenware) and decorated with mechanical precision using colored liquid clay (slip).
The bold, striking design features three wide bands of solid blue slip encircling the body. These blue bands are separated by bands of the white pearlware body, which are further detailed with four crisp thin brown bands (or black bands in the photograph) trailing within them. This simple yet effective pattern relies on the sharp contrast between the bright blue, white, and dark lines.

The loop handle is cleanly formed and features small leaf terminals where it joins the body, a common decorative flourish on early 19th-century pottery. This sturdy, brightly colored piece would have been used as a communal jug in a public house or a large kitchen.

Dimensions: 6 1/2 inches high x 8 inches wide x 4 3/4 inches deep.

Condition: Good with a small kiln dirt adhesion to one side- see last photo.

Historical Context: Banded Mocha Ware (Circa 1820–1840)

Utilitarian Elegance: This jug belongs to the large family of Mocha Pottery (also known as "dipped ware") produced predominantly in the Staffordshire potteries. While other Mocha pieces are famous for their dendritic 'tree-moss' designs, this jug exemplifies the equally popular banded slip decoration.

Industrial Decoration: The precise banding was a hallmark of the early industrial era. The pots were turned on a lathe while liquid colored clay (slip) was applied, allowing for the rapid, accurate, and repeatable creation of the solid color bands and the fine contrasting stripes. This efficient, mechanized decoration helped keep the cost of Mocha ware low, ensuring it was accessible to the working and middle classes throughout Britain and America.

The Aesthetic: The popularity of these wares lay in their durable construction and their bold, cheerful, contrasting colors. They provided a clean, robust, and visually satisfying aesthetic for everyday use, perfectly suited to the active environment of a 19th-century tavern or kitchen. The simplicity of the form and the clarity of the decoration ensure its enduring appeal as a piece of English folk art.

(Ref: NY10583-cim) See less