top of page
Portia toby jug - Burgess & Leigh circa 1955

Portia toby jug modeled by Ernest T. Bailey and produced by Burgess & Leigh of Burslem, England, circa 1955 using its Burleigh Ware tradename. Portia is a female protagonist in "The Merchant of Venice" by William Shakespeare. In creating her character, Shakespeare drew from the historical figure of Porcia, the daughter of Cato the Younger, as well as several parts of the Bible. Portia is fond of proverbs, frequently quoting them, which was considered a sign of wisdom and intellect in the Elizabethan era. Portia is a wealthy heiress in Belmont. She is bound by a lottery outlined in her father's will, which allows potential suitors to choose one of three caskets made of gold, silver, and lead, respectively. If they choose the correct casket containing Portia's portrait and a scroll, they win her hand in marriage. Portia is glad when two suitors, one driven by greed and another by vanity, fail to choose correctly. She favors Bassanio, a young but impoverished Venetian noble. A portion of Portia's robe drapes down to form the handle of the jug.

Maker:

Burgess & Leigh

England

circa 1955

Model #:

Shakespeare Toby Jug Series

toby jug

Size:

medium

Height:

5 3/4"

Portia toby jug - Burgess & Leigh circa 1955
Portia toby jug - Burgess & Leigh circa 1955
Portia toby jug - Burgess & Leigh circa 1955
Portia toby jug - Burgess & Leigh circa 1955
Portia toby jug - Burgess & Leigh circa 1955
Portia toby jug - Burgess & Leigh circa 1955
Portia toby jug - Burgess & Leigh circa 1955
Contact

American Toby Jug Museum 
910 Chicago Avenue 
Evanston, Illinois 60202 

 

312-731-1852

 

americantobyjugmuseum@gmail.com

​

American Toby Jug Museum Hours

 

Open Tuesdays 12-5 pm

 

Tours by appointment only,

please call

312-731-1852

​

Free Admission !

​

Follow Us
  • Grey Facebook Icon
  • Grey Instagram Icon

Copyright © 2005-2025 American Toby Jug Museum.  All rights reserved.

​

bottom of page