mug

Summary

Public: Mug, soft paste porcelain, reeded loop handle, transfer-printed overglaze in black with standing figures. Private: Mug, cylindrical, slightly everted rim, reeded loop handle, transfer-printed overglaze, black, exterior. Shakespeare shows a full length portrait of writer leaning on books surmounting pedestal, left hand points to scroll inscribed; The Cloud-capt Towe[rs] / The Gorgeous Palas / The Solemn Temples / The Great Globe itself. / Yes all-which it inhe[rits] / shall difsolve, / And like ye. bafelefs / Fabrick of a Vifsion / Leave not a Wreck behind. Carved heads of Elizabeth I, Richard III and Henry V adorn base. His eyes are without pupils. Flanked to right by Tragedy, female figure, long flowing robe, covered head, left arm raised, right hand holds knife. To left, Comedy, female figure, long flowing robe exposing left breast, smiling, holds comedy mask in left land, pointed to by right hand. Interlaced ornament printed on handle.