Toby Pitcher 1830 - 1870

This salt-glazed stoneware Toby Pitcher was made by Lyman, Fenton & Co. in the mid-19th century. The very concept of a vessel shaped like a jovial, stout man connects this pitcher to its social and cultural context. We need to think about the role of ceramics and pottery in the 19th century and how it speaks to social gatherings, drinking culture, and notions of conviviality. The figure of the "Toby" himself embodies a type of English folk character—a symbol of good cheer and camaraderie—that speaks to broader trends in popular culture at the time. The choice of salt-glazed stoneware is also relevant. It reflects the availability and cost of materials, along with the function of this utilitarian item. The very existence of companies like Lyman, Fenton & Co. tells us about the rise of industrial production and its effect on artistic or handcrafted items. To fully understand this piece, we might dig into the historical context of ceramics manufacturing in the US, popular culture depictions of the "Toby," or archival catalogs of Lyman, Fenton & Co.