Toby Jug 1849 - 1858

Daniel Greatbatch crafted this salt-glazed stoneware "Toby Jug," likely in the late 19th century. The jug, shaped like a seated man, immediately draws you in with its earthy browns and yellows, a rich, glossy surface creating a play of light and shadow. The figure's robust form and the details of his attire, from the tricorn hat doubling as a pouring spout to his buttoned coat, are meticulously rendered. Greatbatch employed a level of detail that speaks to the structural integrity of the piece, transforming a functional object into a sculptural study of form. This work is not simply a container, but a cultural artifact. The Toby Jug is rooted in the English tradition, a symbol of joviality and the common man. The artist's choice of material and glaze adds a layer of complexity to the jug, elevating it beyond mere utility, it is now an art object that invites contemplation on the relationship between form, function, and cultural identity.