Toy, toy jug

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. It is thought that these miniature vessels were probably girls' toys.

The Museum of London’s collection of early base-metal toys is probably the largest and most important of its kind in the world. For further information on manufacture and production, makers and workshops, trade and distribution, function and form, patrons and consumers of see H.R.Forsyth with G. Egan, Toys, Trifles and Trinkets: Base-Metal Miniatures from London 1200-1800, London, 2005.