John Barleycorn character jug in a green colorway produced by McMaster Pottery of Ontario, Canada, circa 1945. As the personification of malt liquor, Robert Burns popularized the amiable John Barleycorn in his renowned poem "Tan O'Shanter" with the lines: "Inspiring bold John Barleycorn, What dangers thou canst make us scorn!" Burns represents Sir John unfortunately being crushed between two millstones and this may account for the flat-faced shape of the jug! With his merry grin after imbibing a bit too much, this gentleman is a familiar figure in old English ballads and in "A Pleasant New Ballad of the Bloody Murther of Sir John Barleycorn", he is even portrayed as a knight.
Maker:
McMaster Pottery
Canada
circa 1945
Model #:
character jug
Size:
small
Height:
2 3/4"
