Some unsung potter has left us a very pretty, graceful vessel in this petite buff stoneware jug.  The simple molded decoration consists of a wandering hops vine over a barrel stave ground.   We especially like the way the intertwining tendrils circle the top of the jug finishing the decoration just below the rim.  The one unexpected note is the exuberant arc of the long E-shape handle.  

The concept of trompe l'oeil barrel stave decoration was a favorite nineteenth century device. R.K.  Henrywood Relief Moulded Jugs, 1820 -1900  notes that designers found that some sort of appropriate background served to make the floral patterns more realistic. He notes that Copeland and Brownfield went so far as to offer jugs made to look like barrels as background for their naturalistic patterns (p. 33).  We have seen this device used in both stoneware and glazed ceramics as well as silver and glass.