17th Century Small Bellarmine/Bartmann Stoneware Jug

17th Century Small Bellarmine/Bartmann Stoneware Jug

A fine example of a ‘bellarmine’ stoneware jug dating from the early 17th or late 16th century.
Stoneware jugs were normally used for the storage of food or drink, decanting wine or transporting goods. The mottled, orange-peel effect is derived by literally throwing salt onto the vessel during firing.
The ‘bartmaske’ or bearded face is thought to represent the proverbial wild man, who held a popular place in North European mythology since the 14th century. Another theory, which accounts for the ‘bellarmine’ label, is that the stoneware was used to satirise the Jesuit Cardinal Robert Bellarmino, derided in north Germany, England and the low Countries for his vocal criticism of Protestantism and alcohol consumption.
The manufactories in the Rhineland around the city of Cologne and the nearby towns of Altenrath, Siegburg and Frechen had exported their famous stoneware since the High Middle Ages.
The jug is in good condition for its age; the face is clear and easy to make out. There is a chip to the rim and towards the bottom of the jug.
Height: 22cm
Diameter: 8.5cm
Weight: 1059g

Reserve: $707.00

Shipping:
Domestic: Flat-rate of $46.80 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S.
International: Foreign shipping rates are determined by destination.
Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding.
Location: This item ships from United Kingdom

Your purchase is protected:
Photos, descriptions, and estimates were prepared with the utmost care by a fully certified expert and appraiser. All items in this sale are guaranteed authentic.

In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Jasper52 specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Jasper52 within 5 days of receiving the item.