Description:
English creamware, baluster-shaped jug decorated with Masonic symbols, which was probably transfer printed in Liverpool, England for the American market. Jugs like this example were used to hold large amounts of liquid refreshment, usually alcoholic beverages like beer, ale, or cider. The symbols, mottoes, and poem refer to the teachings and practices of the secret fraternal organization of the Free and Accepted Masons. Upholding the principles of morality, charity, and obedience to the law, Masons became a very popular and powerful civic organization in colonial and early America. Their members included many of the most famous Americans such as Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Paul Revere. Masons met in lodges and may have used such ceramic jugs in their social functions. One side has a poem: "The World is in Pain,/ Our Secrets to gain./ But still let them wonder & gaze on/ For they ne'er can divine,/ The WORD nor the SIGN./ Of a Free & an Accepted Mason." The opposite side has a print with various Masonic symbols of the eye, compass, trowel, keys, book, beehive, rooster, and three snuffed candlesticks. There are two columns with the words on banners: "VIDE/ AUDE/TACE." and "SIT LUX/ ET LUX/FUIT." and "MEMENTO MORI" above the tiles floor. Three figures of Faith, Hope, and Charity are on top of columns and floating in air. The transfer print under the spout has more Masonic symbols of an eye, ladder, trowel, columns, compass, sun, and stars and the words "HOLINESS TO THE LORD." The transfer print under handle has a compass and square with a "G" within. The jug has an applied coil handle and pointed, pouring spout, and some remnants of cold gilding decoration.
Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+1999.24.1 |
