Jug with coat-of-arms of the Cleminius Family 1695 - 1705

This jug, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, was crafted by Abraham Helmhack, a German potter active in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. It's made of earthenware, carefully shaped and then covered with a layer of tin glaze. The jug's surface is brought to life with vibrant, hand-painted decorations. The floral patterns and the prominent coat-of-arms of the Cleminius family are applied with considerable skill. This kind of detailed work required not only artistic talent but also a deep understanding of ceramic materials and firing processes. The Cleminius family arms indicate the jug was likely a custom commission. Objects like this blur the lines between art and craft. It's a functional object, yet elevated by its bespoke design and the labor-intensive process of its creation. Considering the social context, such a piece speaks volumes about the Cleminius family's status and the value placed on craftsmanship during that era.