American Toby Jug Museum 

The Clown toby jug modeled by Geof Blower and produced by Kevin Francis Ceramics of Stoke-on-Trent, England, in a 1989 limited edition of 1,500. 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. This clown's sidekick, a younger apprentice clown, forms the handle of the jug.