A brass milk jug from Normandy, France dating to circa 1850. It’s a stocky, polished jug with a rolled lip, a thick handle, and a molded lid. Its textured exterior was lightly hammered by hand, creating an eye-catching look that’s also durable enough to last for generations.
The jug is engraved with foliage. The body is decorated with birds and masks.
Throughout history, small silver jugs have been used for either milk or cream. They were also referred to as ‘creamers’ or ‘cream pots’.
While the term ‘jug’ can be applied to any cylindrical container with a handle, it is most often associated with a vessel that is designed for holding liquids. It can be made from many materials, including metal, glass, ceramics, or a combination of these.
A jug is often used for storing a wide range of items, such as milk, cream, or wine. It can be a useful, attractive addition to any kitchen or dining table.
There are many different styles and designs of jugs, but some are more common than others. Some jugs are made from stoneware, which is a hard type of pottery that is more durable than glazed pottery. Other jugs are made from earthenware, which is a soft clay that’s more porous than stoneware.
The most well-known and widely used jugs are’milk jugs’ or ‘cream jugs’, which were a convenient way to transport milk from dairy farms to homes. Other types of jugs include ‘claret jugs’, which were designed to hold decanted wine in the early 19th century.