Owl jug

English, 1690-1710, Earthenware with slip and lead glaze, 9 ¼ x 6 x 6 inches (23.5 x 15.24 x 15.24 cm)

Rich brown, golden yellow and light tan slip, or naturally colored liquefied clays, are swirled together to create the feathery surface of this delightful example of slipware.  Not simply a whimsical, decorative figure, the owl’s body serves as a jug and its head as a cup.  Initially thrown on a potter’s wheel, the piece was pressed into a mold to create the raised wings, and then individual pieces and rolls of clay were added to create the tail, handle, eyebrows and the three-toed feet that allow the bird to perch precariously on its base.  The owl’s wide eyes are emphasized with raised, tan dots, and the head was fired upside down, resulting in the streaks above the pupils that give the owl its animated expression.