ANTIQUE ENGLISH POTTERY TOBY JUG IN PRATT COLORS C1800

Reference: 4719

Dated: c. 1800 England

A good quality and well modelled Toby Jug decorated in Pratt colors. Note the seperate modelling of the legs and the extra attention to detail with the Queen Anne type chair. Probably Yorkshire pottery circa 1800.

EXHIBITION.....IF THESE POTS COULD TALK.

The Toby Jug is essentially and uniquely English much the same as our Pantomimes are.
Many ideas are put forward as to who is "Toby". The most common view is that it was named after a character in 17th century England, Henry Elwes, reputed to have drunk two thousand gallons of strong ale.Elwes was given the nick-name Toby Philpott, and was known as one of England’s greatest drunks. He became a legendary figure and his story lives on in the form of these jugs with his face. Many forms of the genre have been produced perhaps the first examples in the 1770's from the famous Wood Family in Staffordshire.Many versions of a Tobies are still produced today with the faces of celebrities such as Elvis and Mrs Thatcher. None of these examples compare to the original Tobys'. There is something about the British and drink and in some quarters this association with alcohol is reflected in the affection we have for Toby Jugs one of the strongest ceramic collectors themes today. Toby Philpott's legend lives on 250 years later.

Medium: antique Prattware pearlware pottery

Current Condition There are no restorations.

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