Light brown colored, single handled pottery jug has two stampings, the bearded face and a medallion with two designs.

A Bellarmine jug (also called Bartmann) is a type of decorated stoneware that was manufactured in Europe throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, especially in the Cologne region in what is today western Germany. The signature decorative detail was a bearded face mask appearing on the lower neck of the vessel. They were made as jugs, bottles and pitchers in various sizes and for a multitude of uses, including storage of food or drink, decanting wine and transporting goods.

The defining feature of these jugs, the bearded face mask, is the only constant motif throughout their production. In the 16th century they could be adorned with popular floral or oakleaf-and-acorn decoration on the body of the vessel. Later, especially in the 17th century, they would frequently be decorated with a medallion in the middle of the body, usually in the form of the arms of royalty, noble families or towns. The popular alternative name "Bellarmine" is recorded earliest in 1634, and is in popular tradition associated with the cardinal Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621).

Measures 11 ½” tall x 4 ¼” at the base. Very good condition with a few small chips at the base and mouth, and a small crack to the lower right of the medallion, which is typical from the age of this piece.  [SL]

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