Tyg (three handled tankard), 19th & 20th century

A tyg (or tig) 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 first 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. There was a revival of their popularity in the 19th century and tygs were produced by the major ceramics manufacturers of that period, including Royal Doulton, Wemyss, Spode and Winchcombe Pottery.