A Raeren stoneware silver-mounted jug, late 16th century

Of bulbous shape, the upper body with carved diaper pattern, the lower with moulded gadrooning, separated by a horizontal band of centrally placed male and female medallion and further ornate oval medallions with grotesque heads and classical portraits, the slender cylindrical neck with a centrally placed Bartmann and two further more exotic heads also set in oval cartouches, alternated by lozenge shaped medallions with floral elements and birds, the strap-handle with ornately curled terminal, the contemporaneous ornate silver cover with fleur-de-lys thumbpiece, putto finial and engraved decoration including a male portrait surrounded by flowering strapwork and the running text: AMOR VINCIT OMNIA IHS AVE MARIA GRACA (sic) [omnia vincit amor - ave maria grazia / love conquers all - hail Mary],
23.5cm high

Provenance:
With Jan Dirven Antiquairs