Tyg

"TYG" redirects here. For a Swiss band also known as TYG, see The Young Gods.

File:Tyg, George Richardson, Wrotham, Kent, dated 1651 - Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art - DSC08805.JPG

Tyg made by George Richardson, Wrotham, Kent, dated 1651

A tyg is a large English pottery mug with three or more handles dividing the rim into sections for several drinkers. These tall, black-glazed, red-bodied drinking vessels were produced from the 15th century through the first half of the 17th century, peaking in popularity during the 16th and 17th centuries. Some were made with as many as nine handles.

The multiple handles also allow hot drinks to be passed around without pain.

Tygs were made in large quantities at Wrotham in Kent and in many Staffordshire factories. Examples have surfaced at 17th-century American colonial sites, as well as in the UK.

There is a whole other life to Tygs. The miniatures, many of the leading names in Staffordshire and Worcester area have manufactured three handled Tygs that stand proud at only 1 to 1 7/10 inches in size.

There are also examples of Japanese and German Tygs.

Many people ask what are they for? The most likely answer for the small ones is for decoration, as many of them are exquisitely painted and are widely collected.