Images(11)

Puzzle Jug

Dateca. 1755

OriginEngland, Liverpool

MediumTin-glazed earthenware (delft / delftware)

DimensionsH: 7 5/8"; W: 6 5/8" (with handle); W: 5 5/8" (without handle); D: 3" (footring).

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1937-179

DescriptionBulbous-bodied jug with pierced cylindrical neck, rolled rim with three spouts, and round loop handle. White tin glaze decorated and inscribed in blue "Fill me with Ale Wine or Water / Any of the three it makes no matter / And drink me dry if You be willing / In doing so You'l win a Shilling."
Label TextPuzzle jugs were one of several vessels that provided 18th century imbibers with drinking games. The trick of a puzzle jug is to drink some of the contents without spilling. It was up to the user to figure out the solution to this puzzle by discovering which holes and spouts to cover in order to allow the hollow handle to function as a siphon and draw up the liquid. This example bears a catchy verse seen on several examples and popular at the time:

“Fill me with Ale Wine or Water
Any of the three it makes no matter
And drink me dry if You be willing
In doing so You’l win a Shilling”

InscribedBody inscribed "Fill me with Ale Wine or Water / Any of the three it makes no matter / And drink me dry if You be willing / In doing so You'I win a Shilling."
MarkingsNone
ProvenancePurchased from Guitel Montague, New York (1937).