Image scanned from a transparency and color-corrected by Pat Cagney.

Swirlware Face Jug

Artist Charles Lisk (American)

Manufacturer Lisk Pottery

Date1993

MediumClear glazed stoneware

DimensionsOverall: 16 1/2 in. (41.9 cm)

ClassificationsDecorative arts

Credit LineMuseum purchase

Object number94.1.12

Terms

Face
Vale, North Carolina

On View

Not on view

DescriptionThis is a swirlware face jug, made of clear glazed stoneware. It is made of dark and light clay in swirls. There are applied handles, ears, nose, eyebrows, lips, teeth, and eyes. The eyes have blue pupils; the teeth are broken pieces of white pottery.

Label TextCharles Lisk American (b. 1952), Moore County, North Carolina Swirlware Face Jug, 1993 Clear glazed stoneware Museum Purchase 94.1.12 Charles Lisk is a talented student of Burlon Craig, the last of North Carolina's true folk potters. Lisk's work consists mainly of face jugs, in which the use of two differently colored clays produces a swirled effect. Face jugs are thought to have been made initially by slaves, though their original purpose is still unknown. They have since been used in store window displays to attract customers. They are sometimes jokingly made in the image of someone the potter knows. They are now avidly collected. There are numerous examples in Hampton Roads collections and five such jugs in the Museum alone. Edited By: GLY