Mittelalter Steinzeug Deutscher Rheinland-Krug - 140 mm

"Medieval German stoneware jug

Culture / Period: Medieval period
Date / Period: 14th–15th century
Material: Stoneware
Dimensions: 140 mm
Condition: Good condition, part of lip restored

No shipping outside the European Union. Due to complex export regulations concerning cultural goods, this item cannot be shipped outside the EU. Please ensure you have a delivery address within the European Union before placing a bid.

Provenance information:
Object Registration ID: 23

The current owner purchased this medieval stoneware jug from the private collector R.H., Castricum, the Netherlands.

The previous owner, R.H. of Castricum, stated that the object had been in his collection since an unknown date.

According to the previous owner, the object had previously been in a private collection in the Netherlands since the 1960s/1970s.

No further information concerning the earlier ownership history of the object was available from the previous owner.

Background Information:
This jug is a medieval German stoneware vessel of compact form, fitted with a single handle and designed for practical everyday use. Vessels of this type were commonly used for holding and pouring liquids, both in domestic settings and in taverns or workshops. Its sturdy, rounded body and relatively narrow neck reflect a functional design aimed at durability and ease of handling.

German stoneware production reached a high level of technical and artistic development during the 14th and 15th centuries, particularly in the Rhineland region. Workshops in areas such as Siegburg, Raeren, and later Cologne became well known for producing high-fired stoneware with dense, vitrified fabrics. These ceramics were valued for their strength, impermeability, and suitability for repeated use, making them essential household items across medieval Europe.

The horizontal ribbing visible on the body and neck of the vessel is characteristic of wheel-thrown stoneware from this period, reflecting both the potter’s technique and a broader stylistic tradition. Such vessels were produced within organised kiln industries, where forms were standardised and output could reach significant volumes. As a result, German stoneware was widely traded and distributed, reaching regions far beyond its place of manufacture, including the Low Countries and other parts of north-western Europe.

Dating to the 14th–15th century places this jug within a period of expanding trade networks and increasing urbanisation. In this context, durable ceramic containers like this one played an essential role in daily life, supporting storage, transport, and consumption of liquids. They are representative of a broader material culture shaped by craft specialisation and regional exchange.

This piece provides a direct and tangible connection to the medieval world, where such objects were part of everyday life. It reflects the established craftsmanship of German stoneware production and offers insight into the practical and social habits of the people who used these vessels in their daily routines."