Post-medieval Stoneware Bearded man jug Frechen (Germany) - Stoneware bellarmine jug - 40.4 cm

03
days
23
hours
37
minutes
46
seconds
Current bid
€ 50
Reserve price not met
Peter Reynaers
Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers

Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.

Estimate  € 350 - € 430
20 other people are watching this object
nlBidder 0515 €50
beBidder 7801 €1

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A 17th‑century post‑medieval stoneware bellarmine jug from Frechen, Germany, with a restored ear, measuring 40.4 cm high and 25.9 cm in width.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

This is a Bellarmine jug, also known by the English term Bellarmine jug. These jugs are famous objects made of Rhineland stoneware, primarily produced in Cologne and later in Frechen, Germany, from the 16th to the 18th century.
Features

Dimension:

Height: 40.4 cm
Diameter: 25.9 cm
Foot diameter: 12.6 cm
Neck diameter: 5.5 cm

Condition: restored (ear, otherwise intact)

New ear is activated (see photos).
Only the handle is restored; otherwise, this vessel is intact (see photos).

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 rounded belly.

Name and Use: The name 'Bellarmine' is believed to have later originated as a nickname for the unpopular, strictly Catholic Cardinal Robert Bellarmine in Protestant countries. Originally, they were used for storing and serving drinks 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 Bellarmine jug, also known by the English term Bellarmine jug. These jugs are famous objects made of Rhineland stoneware, primarily produced in Cologne and later in Frechen, Germany, from the 16th to the 18th century.
Features

Dimension:

Height: 40.4 cm
Diameter: 25.9 cm
Foot diameter: 12.6 cm
Neck diameter: 5.5 cm

Condition: restored (ear, otherwise intact)

New ear is activated (see photos).
Only the handle is restored; otherwise, this vessel is intact (see photos).

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 rounded belly.

Name and Use: The name 'Bellarmine' is believed to have later originated as a nickname for the unpopular, strictly Catholic Cardinal Robert Bellarmine in Protestant countries. Originally, they were used for storing and serving drinks 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
Post-medieval
Century/ Timeframe
17e eeuw (ca 1675-1700)
Name of object
Bearded man jug Frechen (Germany) - Stoneware bellarmine jug
Acquired from
Antique market
Year acquired
2024
Material
Stoneware
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Almost completely intact, new ear attached
Previous owner acquired from
Inherited
Height
40.4 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1986
Width
25.9 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
The NetherlandsVerified
204
Objects sold
100%
Private

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.

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