Here is a rare, vintage / antique circa 1859-1890 English Staffordshire Toby jug. A Toby Jug, also sometimes known as a Fillpot (or Philpot), is a jug made in the form of a either a seated person, or the head of a recognizable person or character. Typically the seated figure is a heavy-set, jovial man holding a mug of beer in one hand and a tobacco pipe in the other. He will be wearing 18th-century attire: a long coat and a tricorn hat. The tricorn hat forms a pouring spout.
There are competing theories for the origin of the name "Toby Jug". One is that it was named after the intoxicated, jovial character of Sir Toby Belch in Shakespeare's play Twelfth Night. Another is that it was named after a notorious 18th-century Yorkshire drinker, Henry Elwes, who was known as "Toby Fillpot" (or Philpot),who was mentioned in an old English drinking song The Brown Jug, the popular verses of which were first published in 1761.
This antique Toby is wearing a dark blue overcoat with gold lustre accents, spotted vest and brown pants. He has dark blonde / light brown hair and rosy cheeks. Perfect for any French or English Country kitchen! This is the largest sized jug in the picture of the three shown in the last image.
Measures: 5.75" Tall x 6.5" Deep x 5.25" Wide
Condition: heavy crazing
* Sold individually
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