Jug 1695 - 1705

This jug was made in Germany by Abraham Helmhack, probably around the late 17th or early 18th century, from faience and pewter. Faience is a tin-glazed earthenware, and the jug’s ceramic body would have been fired at a relatively low temperature, then coated with a glaze, and refired to achieve its bright surface. On this blank canvas, the artist has depicted a battle scene in remarkable detail using metal oxides. Helmhack pushed the material to its limit. The smooth, white surface of the faience allowed for intricate painting, while the pewter mounts added a touch of luxury. The jug speaks to the culture of artisanal production that thrived during the period. Ceramics like this would have been prized possessions, demonstrating the owner's wealth and taste, and offering a window into the past through the detailed battle scene it portrays. Looking at the jug today, we can appreciate the extraordinary labor and skill involved in its creation, recognizing the importance of materials and making in understanding its cultural and social significance.