John Barleycorn character jug produced by Lithgow Pottery of Lithgow, NSW, Australia, circa 1995. As the personification of malt liquor, the amiable John Barleycorn was popularized by Robert Burns in his renowned poem, "Tam O'Shanter": "Inspiring bold John Barleycorn, What dangers thou canst make us scorn!" Burns represents poor John as being crushed between two millstones and this undoubtedly accounts for the flat-faced shape of the jug! With his merry grin the result of imbibing a bit too much, this gentleman is a familiar figure in old English ballads, including "A Pleasant New Ballad of the Bloody Murther of Sir John Barleycorn", where he is even portrayed as a knight. This jug was designed in the style of Royal Doulton's John Barleycorn character jug.
Maker:
Lithgow Pottery
Australia
circa 1995
Model #:
character jug
Size:
large
Height:
6 1/4"
