Antique Toby Jug Style Pepper Shaker

This item is a vintage ceramic salt or pepper shaker designed in the form of a 'Toby' figure, a traditional English style representing an 18th-century gentleman. The figure is depicted wearing a tricorn hat in a mustard-yellow glaze, which features the distinctive pouring holes on top. He wears a deep cobalt blue frock coat over a white polka-dot waistcoat with an orange-brown bow tie. The pottery is finished with a high-gloss lead glaze. Measuring approximately 4 to 5 inches in height, the piece stands on a circular ivory-colored pedestal base. The craftsmanship suggests a mid-20th-century production, likely influenced by traditional Staffordshire designs. Notable details include hand-painted facial features and decorative accents on the vest. Regarding condition, there is visible fine-line crazing throughout the glaze, which is typical for earthenware of this age. Some minor paint loss or 'flea bites' may be present on the raised edges of the tricorn hat. There are no large chips or structural cracks visible from this angle, though the patina indicates a period of light household use. The underside likely contains a cork stopper for filling, which is common for this type of figural kitchenware.

Explore similar items and categories: