How was it made? A Puzzle Jug by Michelle Erickson

Ceramicist Michelle Erickson recreates a puzzle jug from the V&A’s collection. These wonderfully infuriating devices hold an ingenious secret and were used in the 18th century for pub drinking games.

[@biddypunk]

These videos are incredible, you are such a skilled artist and craftsman. Thank you for sharing your studio time.

[@GCMCRN]

biddypunk it's true I'm actually amazed by each and every One of them

[@ughlwtmechangerhisthabks8349]

CRAFTSWOMAN.

[@Ho1yhe11]

@@ughlwtmechangerhisthabks8349 that nonsense needs to stop you are essentially saying she does not do as good a job as a craftsman

[@franksworld9922]

@@Ho1yhe11 lol you so crazy!

[@Ho1yhe11]

Frank's world, Nothing crazy about what I said its basic English that a 4th grader should understand. Man in this case is short for humanity itself not just the male of the species. A craftsman is a person who performs craftsmanship. Saying craftswoman is equivalent to saying she either cannot perform craftsmanship, or is not a member of the human race, because of her gender.

[@rayshellyohansen4196]

This was lovely. I learned something new and I really enjoyed the video. The editing was great; I always understood what was going on. The narration was just enough without being too verbose. The music was subtle and added to the mood without being distracting. And, it was great to watch such a skilled artist. I could watch this kind of thing all day

[@brat6969]

I just love watching her work - her eyes observing the piece, and her hand rendering

[@kaanaknc5039]

Exactly, you can _see_ her thinking

[@Cheap_Skate]

Love the delftware skull in the kiln, as well.

[@morganolfursson2560]

There is no such thing as delftware , it is just imitation of Chinese Jingdezhen .

[@marcuscicero9587]

I could watch hours of this woman at her craft. this video is a treat

[@karenarcher4575]

What a beautiful thing, and her stunning skill looks so effortless

[@ianjames6320]

wow i always wondered how they made the hollow straw part , i assumed they used a straw from the fields roll the clay around and it and it would burn away , as an amateur potter cant wait to give this a go one day, you are very skilled , i know my ancestors made these here in stoke , would like to make a modern version.

[@morganolfursson2560]

By THEY , you mean the Chinese right ? The one who invented it during the early Qing dynasty .

[@pendlera2959]

@@morganolfursson2560 Why does that matter? The video is about the method, not the inventors. If I showed you how to drive a horse, would you object to me not giving credit to ancient Egyptian charioteers?

[@morganolfursson2560]

@@pendlera2959 No, i would object you not giving credit to Sumerian charioteers .

[@fdsdh1]

@@morganolfursson2560 I don't know much about Chinese history but the Qing dynasty began in the 17th century.The earliest puzzle jug discovered in England dates from c. 1300 and was made in France.

[@morganolfursson2560]

@@fdsdh1 The Exeter puzzle jug may come from france but the earliest 益智酒具 which is Chinese for puzzle jug or puzzle vessel or trick vessel depending on how you read the ideogram , were excavated in China and are 1400 years old . The French "invented" or should i say, discovered , the Puzzle Jug thanks to the italians and conveniently enough soon after Marco Polo came back to Europe from China , bringing back a lot of ceramic , including the very prized very mysterious Porcelain , which name is of Italian origin Porcellana cowrie shell because it resembled the shell in material, texture hardness and shininess to the Italians. Then after the French , the dutch started making puzzle jugs m then the Brits and both the Dutch and Brits and even the French had jug order made in China in the city of Jingdezhen which is the birthplace of porcelain , during the Qing dynasty . But it was nothing new to the Chinese who had been making these for centuries . I am not saying the French the Brits and the Dutch didn't have the skills to make these and some of the European trick jugs are VERY clever , i am just saying that the concept and the idea is Chinese . But it doesn't change a thing to how beautiful and clever the western puzzle jugs are .

[@scarletpimpernelagain9124]

I could watch this lady’s work all day, so skilled it’s lovely to see.

[@chironapolonio]

I am writhing and green with jealousy to see all of this talent, artistry and effortlessly perfect craftsmanship. Amazing.

[@Mikedeela]

Thank you Ms. Erickson for sharing your wonderful gift.

[@ScratchyFox21]

It is a pleasure to watch an Artisan at work. Astonishingly beautiful.

[@Fandango541]

A true artisan. You are incredibly talented! Thank you so much for sharing a glimpse of your talent which is profoundly amazing.

[@artistpw]

This is amazing. Great to see the original and your homage to it!

[@angelaem205]

I had no idea there was such a thing as a puzzle jug! This ceramicist is obviously awesome, I am totally amazed! Such work with just a material that comes directly from the earth. Such beauty, such talent... Aren't museums and the people working there just outstanding???? They bridge the past with the present and secure a wonderful future bringing people together to admire the glorious beauties of the past! Respect! 💖👏🏻🙏🏻🎨🏛

[@randomelmo9]

Ok you can't just show a ceramic skull in the background and not tell us what it is!

[@PILOSOPAUL]

INDEEEEEED!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@bobberry1463]

It a skull

[@randomelmo9]

thank you bob

[@sa12111]

And look at that huge ornate vase on the shelf at 4:59 - I'd love to see that when it is finished!

[@DarkMoonDroid]

IKR?

[@voraciousreader3341]

What an amazing talent! I thoroughly enjoy watching this several times!

[@jennyc5132]

How clever Michelle you must really enjoy your work!! Beautiful work.

[@theducklinghomesteadandgar6639]

If that isn't the coolest water jug I've ever seen I don't know what is!!! It's just so awesome a nd so cool, and you did such a wonderful job of creating it and explaining what you were doing and how you did it...all the more awesome and cool!!! I'm almost stunned especially in that the whole thing was hand made instead of machine made by some intricate process, ESPECIALLY in how you created the hollow handle and lip and exactly why and how and then even explaining the "secret"!!! I absolutely loved it all!!! You have yourself a happy first time viewer and definitely a new sub, in me!!! Job WELL DONE!!!

[@steprockmedia]

Always a delight to watch a skilled artist at work and describe their craft. I've no clue why this video from 2015 just popped up as a suggestion, but it was a delight.

[@arckocsog253]

Ms. Erickson is an exceptional artist!

[@beccablueeyes99]

The creativity and craftsmanship is astonishing.

[@vozamaraktv-art5595]

So fascinating to watch the hardworking being a thing of so much beauty!

[@marionperriss6452]

Fascinating to watch you recreate such a jug. Such talent. Wonderful to see the finished jug, and how it works.

[@boredgrass]

This mastery is so impressive! A pleasure to watch!

[@chs1183]

WOW that was mesmerising. Glad this video was recommended. Thank you.🌹

[@tracypfau3896]

Well done content and direction as well as excellent VO and script. Thank you.

[@helendurow8211]

You are an Awesome Artist !!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@shirleymueller5966]

Very helpful. Thank you V&A and other supporting institutions plus Michelle. Shirley M. Mueller

[@sail2byzantium]

Wow! Watching the jug's making was just absolutely fascinating to watch. I did just one semester of ceramics back in my art school / major days--while originally intimidated by the potter's wheel (thinking I'd be happier just coiling or molding with slabs) I came to love it, though hardly having the skill here. But it certainly gives me a desire to try pottery again one of these days. Excellent video. Thanks for posting it!

[@JC.Creativity]

Amazing. Very interesting to watch.

[@allenpinnix5241]

exceptional talent, excellent work! Bravo!

[@juliahare1068]

She is so talented at her craft she makes it look almost easy so amazing to watch her work

[@alexmarshall4331]

Wonderful!! aided by a ethereal soundtrack...massive 👍💎!!

[@sandramullikin5088]

Wow, you make it all look so easy. It’s absolutely beautiful. It must take years to learn to do something like that!?! Tyfs!

[@grahamvirgil]

Great job Michelle!

[@janeday9148]

Amazing skill ,you have made a gorgeous piece

[@kaloren7268]

You are very talented artist thank you for sharing

[@bigbb7768]

This video was amazing to watch such a good gifted artist

[@statikondaweb]

Amazing skill. Very fond of your videos! Keep them coming!

[@fainatselnik267]

Ah, the cleverness and skills of the jug making… Artistry smartly dressed in brains. Thank you.

[@bikinggal1]

beautiful work Michelle!

[@susanhamilton1822]

Absolutely fabulous work!

[@racoonsan5137]

Came here from The Great Pottery Throw Down season 2, the contestants are really nice and got good skills, also a healthy competition. I recommend it :)))))

[@indieprakash1385]

Loved the Great Pottery Throwdown. Nice to know someone else also did.

[@RealJalf]

Pierce the neck. So METAL.

[@pixienay2497]

RealJalf pierce the veil, a band

[@CENTURION-xs6ky]

Wow, you are an amazingly skilled artist.

[@vilstef6988]

The Delftware skull in the kiln is amazing. Beautiful work on this jug!

[@Ilustrado649]

This is so brilliant.

[@2fas4me2]

I've always been mesmerized when watching craftspeople throw pottery. It seems so effortless, until you see the tension in the arms of the creator. I'd love to have a nice jar or vase thrown by this woman.

[@KBBF3]

Absolutely 100%. When I try to mimic other potters I immediately notice so many minute details they don't cover (i.e. some clay being super stubborn to throw. the amount of force to center. drying JUST the right amount when attaching handles so it doesn't look sloppy. the big difference a high quality trimmer can make over my hobby lobby trimmer etc etc etc)

[@aceonfire12]

that skull in the kiln looked really cool

[@lacybookworm5039]

An amazing demonstration of skill!

[@kathryncarter6143]

Good one! Thanks for the demo!

[@sanjanas6311]

U have incredible skills!!! Love that hug!!!!😍😍

[@elitonpereira2487]

Gente que mulher é essa! 👏👏👏👏👏👏 que arte maravilhosa

[@Omnihil777]

Love that delftware skull besides the jug in the kiln. That's rad.

[@matheusnakano9540]

what a beautiful work !!

[@LL-sg1un]

Loved it! So amazing, what skill and patience.

[@4Getf00l]

Loved your work! Awed! Didn't know a thing called puzzle jugs existed.

[@giftedmother-kj7xs]

Wow, you are so talented, I throw pottery and that is impressive, and the painting too. You made that look so easy! Of course master always do!

[@PotterDorksUnite]

I never would imagine to use food coloring to make a sketch before using a cobalt stain design.

[@arianaajbeaverhausen8175]

Anxiety cure right here! 😀 Thanks for posting! 💜

[@alexandraframe6493]

Very nice work and a very cool jug.

[@louisak3334]

I know I'm a bit late but you are amazingly good, you go girl!!!

[@LIOTBs]

Wow, what craftsmanship and creativity for former times!

[@tamaramorton8812]

That is so pretty and different. I like it. I think I might enjoy pottery making so I'm toying with the idea. It looks like an expensive hobby but I'll have to find out. You're very skilled and accomplished. Thank you.

[@guilhermesobrinho1329]

So skillful and beautiful... I wish I could learn that.

[@jonathanpersaud1306]

Wonderful amazing good job can watch thes videos all the time thanks for sharing

[@dddhhh2612]

That is some serious skill there . . . very nice!

[@rachelnstephens]

Amazing! I love the cutouts the best!

[@Mitch-cw8nd]

How beautifully you made it! Loved it!!

[@guywolff]

LOve the glaze fit on your tin ... At Wetheriggs Pottery in Cumbria we used to make these in red "Slipware" with slip trailed decorations .. These ,Salt Kits and Cradles were the highly decorated pots for sale .. I still love making Puzzle Jugs and here in New England Swichle Rings or Harvest Rings ... All the best , Guy " In this jug there is good liquor, Fit for Preast or Vicor, But to drink and not to spill ,will try the utmost of your skill.."

[@racheeerach]

I’m deffo making a puzzle jug now. This video was great!

[@Roz390]

Very cool. You make everything look so effortless!

[@joleneplourde9885]

Beautiful work! I really enjoy watching your videos! Thank you for sharing!!

[@uhavemooface]

Never seen this jug before. It looks cool. Great work.

[@SonnySkye]

Thanks KZbin for showing me these random videos. Love them.

[@TheBabs000]

Beautiful beautiful beautiful!!!

[@rogersaddress]

You are so talented! Beautiful work!

[@kylefenrick293]

Utterly fascinating.

[@sushantsourav1259]

Amazing! Just amazing!

[@lesathie6604]

Beautiful work!!!

[@ahzzz-realm]

You make it look easy, amazing work.

[@Rebecca-pr3fn]

WOW, How talented are you that vase is so beautifully made your talent is incredible.

[@claudiadimaggio8902]

She makes it look so easy, but this really is an incredible skilled craftsperson's work. Mesmerizing!

[@Meowster89]

Great...another KZbin channel for me to be addicted too!! Much love

[@coryburson3192]

Janet here....Wow! What a great video. Thank you for posting this. :)

[@arkadashi]

Just beautiful!!!!!

[@mariusweber4990]

This is incredible!

[@katlady5000]

What a cool piece and such beautiful work.

[@lher8639]

Oh my gosh, you are such an incredible artist, I've watched 2 of your videos now and I'm subscribing! Thank you so much for sharing, not that I'm going to try anything to this caliber yet, but you've inspired me, I want to go throw right now!

[@saimafasi]

Beautifully done, you are really creative, hats off well done best wishes

[@flyingface]

wow, incredible craftsmanship

[@rachelcharles53]

Wow wat incredible talent! God has certainly blessed u!

[@mukeshgautam7945]

You are soo creative👌

[@luchoportuano2829]

What a lovely video.

[@serpente300]

Gorgeous! Love this! 😁

[@safetyleednkom8274]

You are brilliant!

[@evakagiafa883]

This is beautiful !!!

[@weregrettoinformyou5676]

Beautiful work.

[@Rebecca1975ful]

beautiful work!

[@celiafernandes2510]

Adorei o seu trabalho, parabéns 🤩