…And broughte of myghty ale a large quart.
Geoffrey Chaucer, Canterbury Tales, ca.1387

English medieval pottery production focused on simple cooking pots and pitchers for the dispensing of ale and wine. Decoration was usually limited to green glaze and pinched feet—literally formed between the potter’s fingertips. When something more elaborate was attempted, the inspiration invariably came from France. The pitcher on the left dates from around 1400 and was probably made by a French potter working near London.