Toby Jug

CultureEnglish
Titles
  • Toby Jug
Datec. 1780–1800
Made inEngland
MediumLead-glazed earthenware (pearlware) with overglaze enamel
Dimensions9 13/16 x 4 7/8 x 4 1/2 in. (24.9 x 12.4 x 11.4 cm)
Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of Mr. and Mrs. Harris Masterson III
Object numberB.71.117.A,.B
Not on view

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Department
Bayou Bend
Object Type
Description

In the 1770s, seeking to further refine cream-colored earthenware, Josiah Wedgwood developed a whiter clay body and added cobalt to the lead glaze formula to counteract its natural yellowish tint. The greater whiteness gave the ware a closer resemblance to porcelain, especially when decorated with blue. Many potteries produced pearlware, as it came to be called, using a variety of techniques to decorate it.

Staffordshire potters began to produce Toby jugs in the third quarter of the 1700s. Many potters produced the form with many variations. Toby jugs remained popular into the 1800s. The name has several associations, but the most important is probably Toby Philpot, the heavy-drinking subject of a popular song.


ProvenanceCarroll Sterling (1913–1994) and Harris Masterson III (1914–1997), Houston; given to MFAH, 1971.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
[no inscriptions]
[no marks]

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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