This very interesting little jug has just been acquired from the collection of the late poet and ceramics expert Anthony Thwaite and his wife Ann. Amongst his writings was an extensive seven page article in the April 1973 edition of Connoisseur magazine entitled "The Chronology of the Bellarmine Jug". He bought this jug in 1963 and paid £5 for it. The jug is probably late 17th century Frechen and has an attractive bulbous shape and is decorated with a mask and a medallion showing a rampant lion. Where it differs from most jugs is its pitch black colour and deep patina. The inside smells strongly soot and smoke and it is almost certain that it acquired these properties from being buried for hundreds of years under a hearth. This was a common practice at the time and often the jugs were filled with urine, finger nails and other unpleasant items with the object of warding off witches and other evil spirits and their curses. It measures 9 inches high.

Ref: 10529

SOLD

Looking for something similar?