(Washington County, Georgia, 1816-1880) circa 1850 to 1860, rounded ovoid form, shiny brown alkaline glaze with some variation, thin darker glaze runs down one side of jar, thumb print in glaze on handle, four finger prints in glaze on rim and under interior of rim, finger prints in glaze on the opposing lower edge, inscribed "LJ" makers mark and "3" capacity mark at shoulder, impressed three banded line decoration at shoulder, applied strap handles from shoulder to collared rim, lid ledge in interior, 11-1/2 in.

Provenance: Private Collection

Note: Lucius Jordan was a notable jug maker from Washington County, Georgia. An 1836 tax list indicates that Jordan was a free person of color, potentially of mixed race. The 1860 census records him as a "Jug Maker," a profession also held by his brother, Elbert Jordan (b. 1818). It is understood that the Jordan brothers were trained by Abraham Massey (b. 1785) and Cyrus Cogburn (1782-1855), both influential potters from Washington County who also worked in Edgefield, South Carolina, at establishments such as Abner Landrum's. Jordan's pottery is characterized by ovoid forms and alkaline glazes. He is the sole Washington County potter recognized for marking his creations, typically with his initials "LJ" or simply "J.", for more info see Burrison, John A., Brothers in Clay: The Story of Georgia Folk Pottery, Athens, GA: UGA Press, 1995.