An outstanding quality of Staffordshire slipware is that it is both handsome and functional. This sturdy jug holds exactly five pints when full to the brim and could have been used for serving or storage. At first glance the handle seems rather small for the overall size and weight. Nevertheless the vessel is easy to lift or tip forward and, although it has no lip, pours well without dripping, providing it is not too full.

The fascinating decoration on the exterior was produced by a combination of marbling and feathering techniques. The flagon was coated with orange slip (visible inside and on the handle). Then a series of lines of white and dark red-brown slips were trailed over the outside and were made to run together to create a variegated effect. According to Dr Plot in his Natural History of Stajfordshire, 1686, this was done with a wire brush, but shaking or joggling can produce similar results. After that a pointed tool or quill was drawn through and across the slip to drag it into a feathered pattern reminiscent of the end papers of old books.