A lug is a typically flattened protuberance, a handle or extrusion located on the side of a ceramics, jug, glass, vase, or other container. They are sometimes found on prehistoric ceramics and stone containers, such as on pots from ancient Egypt, Hembury ware, claw beakers, and boar spears.
A lug may also only be shaped as a lip for suspension - (no hole). In Ancient Egypt, lugs contained a hole for suspension, with 2 - or 3 - lugged vessels most common.
In Roman times, lugs were on some types of column-sections to aid in construction. After slung by rope into position with a crane, the lugs were then masoned off.
In Japan, Iga ware vases with lugs on each side are called "ears" and are an important feature.[1]