2014/55.29
Ceramic Collection - Worcestershire Museum of Freemasonry
Memento Mori Jug
Classification:- Jug
Description
"There are coloured black transfer prints covering the body of the jug. On one side are Faith, Hope and Charity, with masonic emblems over a chequered pavement under which is text 'United for the benefit of Mankind'.
Wrapped around the Corinthian pillars are 6 banners stating, ""VIDE, AUDE, TACE"", meaning know, dare, be silent, and "" SIT LUX, ET LUX, FUIT"", meaning let there be light.
There are also images of a ship with an American flag, a smaller image containing many masonic symbols, and a woman with 3 children below an all-seeing eye and arch. Below this image is a poem.
TO JUDGE WITH CANDOR, AND TO SPEAK NO WRONG. THE FEEBLE TO SUPPORT, AGAINST THE STRONG. TO SOOTHE THE WRETCHED, AND THE POOR TO FEED. WILL COVER MAN AN IDLE FOOLISH DEED.
Dated to the early 19th Century, the motto ""VIDE, AUDE, TACE"" was commonly used during the American Revolution, suggesting this is of American origin. This links to the ship's American flag, and the repetitive use of the all-seeing eye."
