Monroe County
Pottery
Sam Williams was exposed to pottery in his father’s farm store.
The elder Mr. Williams had begun a collection of crocks and jars that Sam still
has. Together, father and son took pottery classes at a Brewton junior
college where Sam is still enrolled so many years later. His utilitarian
pottery is made to be admired and used. Sam’s natural enthusiasm for life is
expressed in his work with clay, and his boundless energy could keep him
creating every day.
Using the
traditional technique of a potter’s wheel, Sam creates high temp stoneware that
he likes to glaze in natural earth tones. His pottery is so precisely made that
when a piece is thumped with a finger; the clear tone of a bell rings
out. Sam calls his interpretation of a face jug a Devil Jug. A whisky jug
base provides the background for the horns, eyes, nose, mouth, and fangs of the
unworldly devils. Face jugs were first created by slave potters in the
1840s. Unable to determine their exact purpose, historians know they were
cherished by their creators because many were found on the long, arduous
journey along Underground Railroad trails.
To learn
more about Sam Williams, visit
http://www.potterybywilliams.com
Products 1-5 of 5
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"Evil Spirits Beware" Ceramic Face Jug
Price: $150.00
Availability: In Stock
Item #: 8084 -
This ceramic face jug was crafted by Monroe County, Alabama artist Sam Williams, IV. Williams, who learned to throw pottery initially from his father, adds his own touch of whimsy and humor to the classic "devil jug". "Evil Spirits Beware" is glazed in a translucent dark brown glaze, has deep green eyes, classic horns and pointed teeth, a forked tail, and is finished with a wire earring. The measurements for this ceramic sculpture is approximately 11" tall by 9" diameter.
Multicolor Jar
Price: $47.00
Availability: In Stock
Item #: 7995 -
This round hand thrown vase by artist Sam Williams is dipped in four different vibrant glazes. It is 7 x 7 and has a 3 inch wide opening.
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Devil Face Jug
Price: $450.00
Availability: In Stock
Item #: 9894 -
Though they can be dated back to ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian times, face jugs are also a large part of folk art history. One reason behind the creation was to ward off evil spirits, some even state that face jugs are supposed to be ugly enough to scare the devil away from your grave so that you can go to heaven. This face jug by artist Sam Williams is 13 inches tall and depicts his interpretation of a devil face.