Since 1793
A classic quirky English wedding gift stemming made exclusively by Rye Pottery and it’s forebears since the 1800s. Our unusual figures stem from country weddings in the 1800s when a bride’s father was required to give all the guests a “Hogshead” (old measure) of ale. The head serves as a cup and the body serves as a jug to toast the Happy couple. The detachable head and body are carefully sculpted by hand to fit snuggly together with a hand cut peg and hole whilst standing. Remove the detachable head and it sits on its snout to form a cup whilst the body rests on its haunches and works as a jug. The character of men and women from Sussex has been said to be like that of a pig – namely very stubborn and there’s an old poem that sums up that exact sentiment.
And you can pook
And you can druv
But the Sussex Pig
He wont be druv
Made here in Rye for over 200 years our Sussex Pigs are held in museums around the world.
They are available in a choice of three colours (Blue, Pink & Black) and in two sizes, large and small. Ever popular at weddings, this is also a great option for traditional wedding anniversaries that suggest presents of pottery or china. Every one of our Sussex Pigs comes with a high quality little card explaining the history and origins of possibly one of the quirkiest English wedding traditions you will come across.
Rye Arts Festival commissioned independent visual arts filmmaker Alisdair Kitchen to make a short documentary about the Sussex Pig which you can watch if you click here.
Sm: 9cm H x 14cm L Lg: 14.5cm H x 20cm L