Mug (Frog mug)

Description

Over the centuries, many types of alcoholic beverage ware were created to serve as parts of games or jokes. Some, like this mug, feature three-dimensional frogs, lizards, and the like that surprised unsuspecting drinkers. The English seem particularly to have enjoyed such time-honored jokes. On this "frog mug," the three little animals have pierced bodies, in part to help it survive the firing process. Perhaps those who drank from such vessels not only were surprised by the sight of the frogs, but also were entertained by gurgling or whistling noises that came from them as the cup was drained. The "earthworm" and "bull's eye" ornament on the exterior of this mug was created through the use of a special vessel called a trailer, which featured three different sections, each holding a different color of slip (liquid clay). Small tubes, such as goose quills, fitted into holes on the vessel and allowed drops of multi-colored slips to be applied to the mug.