The three handled loving cup or tyg is a traditional folk form--handy for passing around a communal draught of ale. In the nineteenth-century their reappearance in the offerings of British potters reflects a return to pre-industrial forms which with time would evolve into a thread of the arts and crafts movement. Of course it is Wedgwood's special contribution to adorn this presumably northern European form with figures from the classical Mediterranean tradition.

Wedgwood's dark olive green jasper dip version is divided into six sections framed by a decorative trellis device.  Three sections display a classical muse while the alternating sections display an oval acanthus medallion beneath the handles.

In a mix that defines Victorian eclectism, Wedgwood combines a design of of classical muses with a form from European folk traditions. 

The depicted muses, derived from John Flaxman models of 1776/7, are:

Melpomene:  Muse of Tragedy -- holding a mask and the club of Hercules; 

Polymnia:  Muse of the hymn or song in honour of the gods -- shown in a pensive attitude;  

Thalia;  Muse of comedy --  holding a mask and shepherd's crook.

Seekers currently offers a number of tygs in a variety of shapes and sizes. (See last photo.)