American Toby Jug Museum 

Clown character jug produced by Price Kensington of Burslem, England, circa 1970. Over the centuries the clown has played many roles, simpleton, jester, knave, court fool and rustic idiot. His origins are in the medieval miracle plays where he played Old Vice, a fellow who tripped up the Devil and played tricks on the serious characters. This buffoon developed and even became at time the mouthpiece of such renowned playwrights as Shakespeare and Moliere, their wise philosophy couched in folly. In the Italian comedia dell arte, the clown's role was taken by Arlechino, a rascal in a costume of rags and patches who later became the stylish Harlequin. Another clown developed in the Italian comedy became the lovesick Pierrot in his outfit of white silk, ruffles and pompoms. The typical clown we see today with his baggy clothes, tuft of hair and colorful painted face, was created in the early 19th century by Joseph Grimaldi whose amazing acrobatics made him one of the most famous clowns ever. His renown was such that all later such clowns were named Joey in his honor.