Bronze Age Gold from Wales

Toby jug, pale cream-coloured earthenware with a soft green tinge to the glaze, standing on a square base, the jug modelled in the form of male figure seated in a high backed chair with foot-rest, the figure with cocked hat, forming the mouth of the jug, long curling hair coloured manganese, long green coat, yellow vest, blue knee-breeches and black buckle shoes, the figure holds a brown beer jug on one knee with the left hand and a raised cup with the right hand, to the rear of the jug a plain loop handle.

Toby jugs were made from at least 1785. The form is based on the story of Toby Philpot, a well-mannered boor whose indulgence in ale and tobacco led to his death. He was buried and, having returned to dust, a potter is said to have dug up the earth and ‘with part of fat Toby he form’d his brown jug’. This example is a variation known as 'Thin Man'.