Bellarmine jug

myminifactory

This is an exquisite Bellarmine jug. Its body boasts an impressive medallion of a star enclosed within a shield, radiating elegance and refinement. The neck, meanwhile, proudly displays a robust bearded male face, exuding strength and character. A Bartmann jug, named after its German heritage, "bearded man," is a remarkable type of ornate salt-glazed stoneware that was meticulously crafted in Europe over the 16th and 17th centuries. The Cologne region in western Germany took center stage as the primary production hub for these masterpieces. The distinctive decorative hallmark was a bearded face mask majestically adorning the lower neck of each vessel. These magnificent jugs were manufactured in an array of sizes, catering to diverse purposes such as storing food or drink, decanting wine, and serving as elegant pitchers. Their durability and versatility made them invaluable commodities for everyday life, while their aesthetic appeal elevated them to treasured possessions. This extraordinary object has been painstakingly scanned by the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in Cambridge, England, preserving its intricate details for future generations to marvel at and study.