Mid‑17th Century German Bellarmine Jug / Bartmannkrug With Rare Love‑Heart Medallion, Circa 1625–1675
This charming German stoneware Bellarmine jug (Bartmannkrug), dating to the mid‑17th century, is a rare survival from the Rhineland potteries. The jug features the classic bearded mask (Bartmann) at the neck, paired with a highly unusual impressed love‑heart medallion to the body — a decorative motif symbolising affection and good fortune.
Bellarmine jugs were widely exported across Europe and prized for their durability and distinctive salt‑glaze finish. This example’s rare heart medallion, combined with its balanced proportions and warm glaze, makes it a standout piece for collectors of antique ceramics, folk art, and continental stoneware.
Provenance: Mid‑17th Century (c.1625–1675). Germany, Rhineland.
Material: Stoneware with salt‑glaze.
Features: Bearded mask at neck, rare love‑heart medallion, elongated form.
Condition: As per the images. There is a frit to the string rim and minor fritting to the foot. The jug displays very well.
Dimensions: Approx. Height 21.5cm (8 1/2″)
This jug embodies the fusion of artistry and symbolism that defines early modern European ceramics, offering both historical resonance and decorative appeal.
This charming German stoneware Bellarmine jug (Bartmannkrug), dating to the mid‑17th century, is a rare survival from the Rhineland potteries. The jug features the classic bearded mask (Bartmann) at the neck, paired with a highly unusual impressed love‑heart medallion to the body — a decorative motif symbolising affection and good fortune.
Bellarmine jugs were widely exported across Europe and prized for their durability and distinctive salt‑glaze finish. This example’s rare heart medallion, combined with its balanced proportions and warm glaze, makes it a standout piece for collectors of antique ceramics, folk art, and continental stoneware.
Provenance: Mid‑17th Century (c.1625–1675). Germany, Rhineland.
Material: Stoneware with salt‑glaze.
Features: Bearded mask at neck, rare love‑heart medallion, elongated form.
Condition: As per the images. There is a frit to the string rim and minor fritting to the foot. The jug displays very well.
Dimensions: Approx. Height 21.5cm (8 1/2″)
This jug embodies the fusion of artistry and symbolism that defines early modern European ceramics, offering both historical resonance and decorative appeal.
Description
This charming German stoneware Bellarmine jug (Bartmannkrug), dating to the mid‑17th century, is a rare survival from the Rhineland potteries. The jug features the classic bearded mask (Bartmann) at the neck, paired with a highly unusual impressed love‑heart medallion to the body — a decorative motif symbolising affection and good fortune.
Bellarmine jugs were widely exported across Europe and prized for their durability and distinctive salt‑glaze finish. This example’s rare heart medallion, combined with its balanced proportions and warm glaze, makes it a standout piece for collectors of antique ceramics, folk art, and continental stoneware.
Provenance: Mid‑17th Century (c.1625–1675). Germany, Rhineland.
Material: Stoneware with salt‑glaze.
Features: Bearded mask at neck, rare love‑heart medallion, elongated form.
Condition: As per the images. There is a frit to the string rim and minor fritting to the foot. The jug displays very well.
Dimensions: Approx. Height 21.5cm (8 1/2″)
This jug embodies the fusion of artistry and symbolism that defines early modern European ceramics, offering both historical resonance and decorative appeal.
