Face Jugs

Lot 1249

In the realm of Southern folk pottery, particularly North Carolina stoneware, this is a fantastic example of a contemporary face jug by Billy Joe Craven of Craven Pottery, Inc. in Commerce, GA. This piece clearly carries the tradition of the Craven family, direct descendants of Peter Craven, the 1st Generation Historic Potter in the USA. The jug is made of salt-glazed stoneware, featuring a vibrant, dripping alkaline glaze in earthy browns and striking blue-grey tones. The “face” exhibits a classic, grotesque expression with applied features like the protruding eyes and the gritted, porcelain teeth, a hallmark of the genre that evokes the Devil or “ugly jug” tradition. The base is nicely signed in script “B. Joe Craven.” The piece presents in excellent condition; the glazes are strong and glossy with no apparent chips, cracks, or repairs. It includes the original tag detailing the Craven family’s historic lineage. H 11.5″, W 7″, D 7′.

Lot 1249A

A great example of North Carolina stoneware, this is a fantastic specimen is a contemporary face jug by Billy Joe Craven of Craven Pottery, Inc. in Commerce, GA. This piece clearly carries the tradition of the Craven family, direct descendants of Peter Craven, the 1st Generation Historic Potter in the USA. The jug is made of salt-glazed stoneware, featuring a vibrant, dripping alkaline glaze in earthy browns and striking blue-grey tones. The “face” exhibits a classic, grotesque expression with applied features like the protruding eyes and the gritted, porcelain teeth, a hallmark of the genre that evokes the Devil or “ugly jug” tradition. The base is nicely signed in script “B. Joe Craven.” The piece presents in excellent condition; the glazes are strong and glossy with no apparent chips, cracks, or repairs. It includes the original tag detailing the Craven family’s historic lineage. H 11.5″, W 7″, D 7′.