Here is a nice antique  circa 1912-29 English Staffordshire 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 of beer in one hand and a tobacco pipe in the other.  He will be wearing 18th-century attire: a long coat and a tricorn hat. The tricorn hat forms a pouring spout and a the lid on this piece.

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. 

 In the form of a seated, smiling man this Toby is holding a jug. The man's tricorn hat serves as a lid, and an integral handle runs down his back. Simply a great Toby Jug! Date: 19th Century Overall Condition: It is in overall good, as-pictured, used estate condition with no cracks, or repairs. Condition Details: There are glaze skips throughout (including hat cover, handle, jug handle, sleeve). There is fine and tight crazing with some light staining and a few expected firing flaws. Otherwise, there are some fine & light surface scratches and other signs of expected light wear consistent with age. Marks: Unmarked Measurements: Height: ca. 9 3/4 in. Width: ca. 4 1/2 in. Depth: ca. 6 7/8 in.

Perfect for any French or English Country kitchen!  

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