Yorkshire Pratt Toby Jug Figural Handle Pitcher England Spongeware Hat & Base

$349.99

Brand Prattware

Here is a nice, circa 1810-60 English Yorkshire Pratt style Toby pitcher jug.  A Toby Jug, also sometimes known as a Fillpot (or Philpot), is a jug made in the form of an either a seated person, or the head of a recognizable person or character(these generally are called character jugs). Typically the seated figure is a heavy-set, jovial man holding a mug or pitcher of beer in one hand and a tobacco pipe or glass in the other.  He will be wearing 18th-century attire: a long coat and a tricorn hat. The tricorn hat forms a pouring spout.  This piece is unusual in that it has a figural handle and is sponged around the base and the inside as well as the outside of the hat.  The pitcher also feature a figural handle (see closeups)

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. 

It is in overall good, as-pictured, used estate condition with no cracks, or repairs.  There are some fine & light surface scratches and other signs of expected light wear consistent with age. Marks: Unmarked

Measurements: appx Height: 9 3/4 in