This globular jug with a long cylindrical neck is constructed in such a way that ordinary drinking or pouring is impossible. The jug has three spouts in the rim; one of them is connected with a concealed tube which runs through the rim and handle to the bottom of the jug. The other two need to be closed by the fingers before the contents can be consumed. The legend inscribed on the jug challenges the drinker to take a swig—the puzzle is to find out how!
- Titles Puzzle Jug (Descriptive)
- Medium tin-glazed earthenware (delftware) with underglaze blue and manganese
- Dimensions 7 1/4 x 6 1/2 x 5 1/4 in. (18.4 x 16.5 x 13.3 cm)
- Credit Line Museum purchase, 1996.16
- Work Type jug
- Classification Containers
- On View
- Signature none
- Marks none
- Provenance Margaret Davison Block, Atlanta; D. M. and P. Manheim, New York; Jonathan Horne Antiques, London. Birmingham Museum of Art, by purchase from Sotheby's, New York, 1996