Boxing the compass meant listing all the compass points in order, from north to north by east, north-northeast, northeast by north, northeast, northeast by east, and so on. It was an important skill for sailors. It is also difficult to do after drinking a lot of beer, which made it a popular drinking game, and a suitable decoration for beer mugs and jugs.  

" /> Printed British Pottery & Porcelain | jug
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National Museums Liverpool 15.6.62.23

Additional Image:


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The other side shows a soldier's return: the girl holds out her apron to receive money and a watch, presumably booty.

Robinson could have used a sailor's return, but chose to diversify his potential markets for the jug at the risk of weakening its appeal. Probably a bad decision.  

  

Shape Type: Miscellaneous

Pattern Type: Naval and Marine

Date: c. 1790-1805

Dimensions:

  • Diameter: 3.86 in (9.80 cm)
  • Height: 5.51 in (14.00 cm)
  • Length: 5.63 in (14.30 cm)

Maker: Unknown

Printer: John Robinson

Printer's Mark:

Printed
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Description:

Creamware jug printed in black by John Robinson in Burslem, Staffordshire, with "Box the Compass", including his signature in the centre of the compass. Printed after his move from Liverpool to Burslem, where he is recorded between 1784 and 1805.

Boxing the compass meant listing all the compass points in order, from north to north by east, north-northeast, northeast by north, northeast, northeast by east,...


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