2-799-151 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Shakspeare's Jug, 1844. An 'accredited relic' of Shakespeare. 'The accompanying details are from a handbill, printed by Mr, Bennett, of Tewkesbury: "This Jug is of cream-coloured earthenware, about nine inches in height, and sixteen round in the largest part, and somewhat in the shape of a modern coffee-pot. It is divided longitudinally into eight compartments, each horizontally subdivided; and within these the principal deities of the Grecian Mythology are represented in rather bold relief. Jupiter and Juno, Bacchus, Diana, Mercury, Apollo, Mars, &c.. are, all plainly distinguishable by their thrones, chariots, or characteristic animal attendants. To preserve the interior from dust, and the rim from accident, a silver top and edging were added about forty years ago, with a small medallion of Shakspeare upon it, inscribed "William Shakspeare, at the age of 40". From "Illustrated London News", 1844, Vol V.