Toy jug
Date: 1400s
The form and decoration of this miniature pewter jug seems to be inspired by, or modelled on, full-scale ceramic vessels used in London from about 1250 to 1350. Ceramic jugs of this kind were imported from northern France, but were also made locally (see 'London-type ware' in the Museum's Ceramic and Glass online catalogue). The presence of a large number of miniature jugs, ewers and pitchers and other metal toys from London, shows that there was a thriving mass market in children's playthings in the medieval period.
Purchased with the assistance of the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund, and of The Art Fund.
Accession number: 98.2/159
Place of collection: [River Thames foreshore]
Material: lead alloy
Measurements: H 39 mm DM rim 19 mm x 14 mm; base 19 mm x 16 mm
Gallery location: Case 17.9
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