Bellarmine or Bartman jug 1535 - 1545

This salt-glazed stoneware Bellarmine jug was produced by Maximinen Strasse in the 16th century. Its squat, rounded form and monochrome tan-brown glaze give it an earthy, grounded presence. The jug's surface is decorated with raised floral medallions, and its compact form, with its bulbous body, creates a sense of contained energy, while the handle provides a counterpoint, suggesting movement and use. This duality mirrors the jug's function: a vessel both static in its presence and dynamic in its purpose. The stoneware material further emphasizes the jug's tactile quality and its connection to functional, everyday life. It stands as a testament to the transformative power of craft.