What was this stoneware/pottery piece used for? Thread 1

Scratching my head. Stands approx. 9.5 inches. From the South Asia estate sale! Thanks!

 

Puzzle jug? Sure looks like one to me.

History of puzzle jugs
https://www.aronson.com/the-joke-of-the-puzzle-jug/
"The secret of the puzzle jug which lies in the construction of the vessel. Generally, the hollow tubular rim has one functioning nozzle, and two or more “dummy” nozzles. These false spouts are connected to the hollow handle, which forms a siphon from the lower body. The suction, however, is broken by a small hole beneath the top of the handle. To successfully drink without spilling, the drinker must place his thumb over the hole in order to create a vacuum that allows him to suck the liquid from the jug up through the handle, around the rim and out through the one functioning nozzle."

 

Leaky jug ??

it's neat !!

 

Can you see inside, to see if there is a hole at the bottom of the handle?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puzzle_jug

 

I wonder if it is Provençal, rather than South Asian. Puzzle jugs as such are European, afaik. A fun piece.

 

It’s absolutely a puzzle jug, and they’re often British. Yours looks like an art pottery version.

 

I will check in the morning and let you know. I had a puzzle cup before but never a seen a jug! Thank you!

 

There is a hole - interior - at the bottom of the handle. I thought it was how they applied the handle but it is a hole.

 

Puzzle jugs like this are a fairly common European item, but less so in the U.S. It is one of the areas I tend to collect, since as a potter myself, I find them interesting, even though they don't seem to sell that well. (Maybe because most people aren't aware of what they are.)

Most potters today don't even make them anymore, probably because they are complicated and time-consuming. There used to be a YouTube video on how to make one, but the construction can vary greatly. Every one seems to be a little bit different. Part of the "puzzle," it seems.

 

I did not know that you were a potter, Taupou! There was a fellow, Don Carpenter (sadly passed away some time ago) who made wonderful pieces that copied or were in the manner of 19thc wares.