American Toby Jug Museum 

Johann Strauss II character jug in a trial colorway modeled by Stanley J. Taylor and produced by Royal Doulton of Burslem, England, in 1998. Johann Strauss II (1825-1899) was born to the world famous violinist, Johann Strauss, Sr., and soon followed the family tradition, establishing his own orchestra in 1844. His success was immediate as he was able to develop his father's dance forms, including waltzes, gallops, quadrilles, and polkas with richer harmonies and more ambitious structures. When his father died in 1849 he amalgamated the two orchestras and continued the touring, including a visit to America where he became known as The Waltz King. The beautiful "Blue Danube" waltz is the most famous of his waltzes and he also composed other famous works such as "Die Fledermaus", probably his best-known classic operetta. But the waltzes Johann wrote for Vienna's glittering balls, charming cafes and gardens made the waltz the world's favorite dance, and made Vienna the most romantic of cities to the rest of the world. Exported to the U.S., Strauss' melodies helped to mold the form and style of the American stage and screen musical, which has played so large a part in the popular music of the twentieth century. A violin, waves and "Blue Danube" score form the handle of this jug.