Jug

Dateca. 1650

MediumEarthenware, lead-glaze

DimensionsOH: 6 3/8"; D(with handle): 6 1/4"; D(without handle): 6"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1960-915

DescriptionRed bodied jug with tall neck with pinched pouring lip tapering slightly down to shoulder of globular belly. Belly tapers to footring. Base of neck and shoulder with shallow turned lines. Single flattened loop handle from lip to shoulder with pointed base. Neck slip trailed with foliate patterns and 4 "8's" each with single vertical line through it. As on neck, belly and handle trailed with cream-colored slip on red body. Wavy slip line down spine of handle. Slip trailed inscribed bands descend from shoulder with inscription, "THE GIFT IS SMALL GOO / D WILL IS ALL WHEN THES YOU SE / E REMEMBER ME BE MERY AND / WIES" followed by a series of wavy lines. Overall (but base) coating of yellow lead glaze with pale yellow coloring.
Label TextThis thrown metropolitan jug was probably produced in Latton Parish, near London. Typical of the wares from this area is the use of slip trailing directly onto a dark clay body. The belly is inscribed "THE GIFT IS SMALL GOO / D WILL IS ALL WHEN THES YOU SE / E REMEMBER ME BE MERY AND / WIES." A jar dated 1650 and inscribed with the "THE GIFT...IS ALL" portion of the rhyme was excavated in London. Related inscriptions appear on many types of English pottery well into the eighteenth century.
Inscribed"THE GIFT IS SMALL GOO / D WILL IS ALL WHEN THES YOU SE / E REMEMBER ME BE MERY AND / WIES" in slip on sides of vessel.

Exhibition(s)