Frechen (Germany) Stoneware Bearded man jug (intact) - Stoneware bellarmine jug (intact)
05
days
12
hours
12
minutes
02
seconds
Current bid
€ 70
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 550 - € 700
5 other people are watching this object
 Bidder 4651 | €70 | |
|---|---|---|
| Bidder 4651 | €60 | |
| Bidder 4651 | €50 |
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 123609 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
A 17th‑century Frechen steengoed Bellarmine jug (Baardmankruik), intact and unrestored, with a height of 20.6 cm, a body diameter of 14.8 cm and a bearded mask relief plus a round medallion featuring a star or flower pattern.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
This is a beard man jug, also known under the English term Bellarmine jug. These jugs are famous objects made of Rhenish stoneware, primarily produced in Cologne and later in Frechen, Germany, from the 16th to the 18th century.
Features
Dimension:
Height: 20.6 cm
Diameter: 14.8 cm
Foot diameter: 7.7 cm
Neck diameter: 4.8 cm
Condition: not restored
Superficial hair cracks (see photos)
Missing small chip from the ear (see photos).
The jug has not been glued or restored (in good condition).
Material and Production: The jug is made of stoneware, fired at high temperatures, making it waterproof and resistant to acids. It has a characteristic brown, speckled appearance due to salt glaze and iron engobe.
Decoration: The most striking feature is the applied relief: a bearded face mask on the neck and, as seen in your photo, a round medallion with a star- or flower-like pattern on the convex belly.
Name and Use: The name 'Bellarmine' later originated as a nickname for the unpopular, strictly Catholic Cardinal Robert Bellarmine in Protestant countries. Originally, they were used for storing and serving beverages such as beer, wine, oil, and vinegar. They were mass-produced and exported to the Netherlands and England.
History
In the seventeenth century, the beard man's mug was a common household item. Besides their everyday use, they sometimes served a more sinister purpose: they were used as 'witch bottles' to counter supposed witch spells by placing personal items and iron nails inside.
Shipping method: this lot will be excellently packaged and shipped via DHL through Catawiki's smart shipping.
This is a beard man jug, also known under the English term Bellarmine jug. These jugs are famous objects made of Rhenish stoneware, primarily produced in Cologne and later in Frechen, Germany, from the 16th to the 18th century.
Features
Dimension:
Height: 20.6 cm
Diameter: 14.8 cm
Foot diameter: 7.7 cm
Neck diameter: 4.8 cm
Condition: not restored
Superficial hair cracks (see photos)
Missing small chip from the ear (see photos).
The jug has not been glued or restored (in good condition).
Material and Production: The jug is made of stoneware, fired at high temperatures, making it waterproof and resistant to acids. It has a characteristic brown, speckled appearance due to salt glaze and iron engobe.
Decoration: The most striking feature is the applied relief: a bearded face mask on the neck and, as seen in your photo, a round medallion with a star- or flower-like pattern on the convex belly.
Name and Use: The name 'Bellarmine' later originated as a nickname for the unpopular, strictly Catholic Cardinal Robert Bellarmine in Protestant countries. Originally, they were used for storing and serving beverages such as beer, wine, oil, and vinegar. They were mass-produced and exported to the Netherlands and England.
History
In the seventeenth century, the beard man's mug was a common household item. Besides their everyday use, they sometimes served a more sinister purpose: they were used as 'witch bottles' to counter supposed witch spells by placing personal items and iron nails inside.
Shipping method: this lot will be excellently packaged and shipped via DHL through Catawiki's smart shipping.
Details
Culture
Frechen (Germany)
Century/ Timeframe
17e eeuw (ca 1650)
Name of object
Bearded man jug (intact) - Stoneware bellarmine jug (intact)
Acquired from
Antique market
Year acquired
2024
Material
Stoneware
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
not restored
Previous owner acquired from
Inherited
Previous owner - year acquired
1986
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
