Tyg

Tyg, George Richardson, Wrotham, Kent, dated 1651 - Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art - DSC08805

Tyg is a type of drinking vessel that originated in the late Middle Ages and was most popular in England and Wales during the 16th and 17th centuries. A distinctive feature of a tyg is its multiple handles; typically, a tyg has three or more handles evenly spaced around its circumference, allowing it to be shared and passed around more easily than a single-handled mug. Tygs were primarily made from pottery, including earthenware and stoneware, but examples in metal, such as silver and pewter, also exist.

Design and Use

The design of a tyg includes a round, bulbous body that can vary in size from small, personal vessels to large ones intended for communal use. The multiple handles facilitated group drinking and were particularly suited to the convivial atmosphere of taverns and alehouses. The body of a tyg is often decorated with relief motifs, armorial bearings, and sometimes inscriptions, which could include moral sayings, dates, or the names of owners.

Historical Context

Tygs are a reflection of the social drinking customs of their time. In the Tudor period, communal drinking was a significant aspect of social life, and vessels like the tyg played a central role in rituals of hospitality and celebration. The sharing of a single vessel by multiple drinkers was symbolic of trust and community. Tygs were also used in ceremonial contexts, such as weddings and guild meetings, where the act of communal drinking held particular significance.

Material and Craftsmanship

The majority of surviving tygs are made from earthenware, a testament to the skills of the pottery craftsmen of the period. The Delftware tygs, produced in both England and the Netherlands, are among the most highly prized by collectors for their intricate painted designs and historical significance. Stoneware tygs, known for their durability and resistance to liquids, were also common. Metal tygs, while less common, showcase the high level of craftsmanship in metalworking during the period, with examples in silver and pewter displaying elaborate decorative elements.

Collecting and Museums

Today, tygs are sought after by collectors and are featured in the collections of many museums dedicated to decorative arts and the history of material culture. They offer insights into the social customs, material culture, and artistic achievements of their time. Museums often display tygs as part of exhibitions on dining customs, pottery, and the social history of the periods in which they were used.

See Also

• Pottery
• Stoneware
• Earthenware
• Delftware
• Pewter
• Silver

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