Great looking folk art memory jug. Stoneware jug body. Fantastic array and variety of objects – all in their original colors. This type of piece was typically painted gold after all the objects were attached. On this particular example, the paint was done first and the dozens of small items were added afterwards. Much more visually pleasing.

Memory Art – Originally popular from the last quarter of the 19th century to the early 20th century, though still produced today. The basic idea is any variety of small objects (or fragments) are arranged in any style from abstract to stylized, and are applied onto a plaster/clay coating some type of vessel, which can include glass bottles, jars and vases, pottery (usually stoneware) jugs, jars and bottles, as well as a number of other objects.  In some cases, the objects represent personal memories or collections, while some are souvenirs from past travels. Still other times the objects were merely donated by a parent or grandparent to help keep young hands busy on a snowy day, or someone simply dumped out the contents of an old box or drawer. It seems to have been quite a fad from the 1890s to the 1910s. Most of these early memory pieces are abstract collections of various bits and pieces slapped together on an old jug or jar. Each is unique and carries with it a little part of the spirit of its maker.

The example offered here is from the golden early years. It was clearly handled and banged around a bit over the years – likely by curious children. It is the rare example from this era that hasn’t taken a few hits and losses over time, and this one is no exception.

Date: 1900-1910.

Size: 6 1/2″ tall. Weighs about 2.4lbs.

Condition: Aging and wear with a few typical missing objects. Minor rim flakes. As-Is. Please use photos and description to determine condition.

Price: SOLD

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