The white relief figures on this glazed caneware jug present a bacchanalian subject, but of the most refined and indeed innocent sort. Chubby putti and satyrs, in truth babies, amuse themselves in playful teasing ways. The presence of the "thyrsus," a pinecone topped staff indicates that one of the boys may be the infant Bacchus. Scattered trees suggest an arcadian grove, and an overflowing basket of grapes reminds us of the harvest and the wine making to come.

Lady Diana Beauclerk--a noblewoman and artist who, before her two marriages, was in fact the Lady Diana Spencer of the eighteenth century--produced sketches for these groups during the lifetime of Josiah I. A friend of Horace Wolpole and Samuel Johnson, she illustrated a number of books as well. Wedgwood has made good use of these designs, well into the nineteenth century. There are no clearer examples of the refined, playful, rococo approach to a classical subject. Plus the boys simply overflow with charm.