Toby Jug

Dateabout 1850-1875

MediumCast earthenware with a translucent brown glaze

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth): 9 3/8 x 4 7/8 x 3 3/4in. (23.8 x 12.4 x 9.5cm)

ClassificationsCeramics

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Howard B. Haylett

Object number1976.60.10

DescriptionFigural jug of earthenware with a translucent brown glaze, a type of ceramic known as Rockingham ware. The jug is in the shape of a short, fat man wearing a three-cornered hat, a form known as a Toby Jug. The man is standing on an uneven surface. He wears a vest, knee-length pants, and a jacket. His hands are raised over his protruding stomach, and he holds a circular object in his left hand. His smiling face is tilted down, and the front corner of the three-corner hat forms the spout of the jug. A handle emerges from the back of his jacket, and there is one mold line on each side of the jug. There is a chip in the glaze on the handle, and on the cuff of the man's right hand.

NotesSubject Note: Toby Jugs, a caricature of a fat man often holding drinking paraphernalia, were first made in England in the eighteenth century. Early jugs showed seated figures holding a cup and a jug, or were just the head of a man with long curly hair, always wearing a three-cornered hat. Over time, Toby Jugs were made as caricatures of famous people and political figures. Later Toby Jugs were full figures of a standing fat man, such as this one. The circular object in his left hand is probably a snuff container. (Hunt 11/24/2004)

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