A scarce and amusing Late Eighteenth Century Antique English Pottery Toby Jug, his coat decorated in that mottled palette characteristic of Leeds ware, { See John Bedford ~ Collectors Pieces No. 16, Our Stock Ref. CPTCSOTVJBEA1T1-B4, where an almost identical example is illustrated, both on the dust-jacket and also in a full colour plate }. Unmarked, but possibly produced by Hartley, Greens and Co., { c. 1781 - 1820 }, at their Leeds pottery, perhaps using moulds formerly in use at the Ralph Wood factory. { See Donald Towner, "English Cream-coloured Earthenware, { 1957 } }. The subject, who first appeared as Toby Fillpot in a print, "The Brown Jug", published by Robert Dighton in 1761, is reputed to have been inspired by a Yorkshireman, Henry Elwes, who is said to have drunk 2,000 gallons of ale. Originally, these character jugs were provided with separate hats, which served as drinking vessels, but these are rarely found today.
Height ~ 25.40 cm. / 10.00 inches ~ Width ~ 12.00 cm. / 4.75 inches ~ Depth to include handle ~ 16.50 cm. / 6.50 inches ~ Year Circa 1800.
