Antique Southern Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jug

This is an antique ovoid stoneware jug featuring a characteristic Southern alkaline glaze. The vessel exhibits a bulbous body that tapers to a narrow neck with a rounded, slightly flared rim. A single, thick strap handle is pulled and attached from the upper neck to the shoulder. The exterior is finished with a mottled alkaline glaze, displaying a range of colors from dark olive green to deep brownish-black, with prominent yellowish-green runs and iron spots consistent with wood-firing in a ground kiln. The glaze shows typical surface pitting and glaze pops from the firing process. The base is flat and unglazed, showing heavy accumulation of mustard-colored kiln residue and dark stacking marks. No maker marks or capacity stamps are visible on the shoulder or base. This style of stoneware a...