Facsimile of Cassel Pitcher (German, late 15th century) c. 1900

Curator: Oh my goodness, look at this pitcher. It’s kind of menacing, but also…whimsical? Editor: Indeed. We’re looking at a facsimile of a Cassel Pitcher, crafted in Germany sometime in the late 15th century. While the maker remains unidentified, this piece offers a glimpse into the era's craftsmanship and symbolism. Notice the goose supporting the vessel. Curator: Right? Like it's guarding some precious secret with its little padlock! And the tiny architectural details are fascinating. Editor: Precisely! These were times of shifting power dynamics. Consider how these objects, like this pitcher, were often used to communicate wealth and status. The goose, a symbol of vigilance, coupled with the lock, suggests exclusivity and controlled access. Curator: I love how something so functional could also be so…extra. I mean, it’s a pitcher, but it's also a statement, you know? Editor: Exactly! Perhaps we can even see in it the seeds of a more democratic future, as the rising merchant class began commissioning extravagant, personalized wares to assert their place in the social hierarchy. It really makes you think about who gets to drink from the finest vessels. Curator: Well, I'm thirsty for more historical context now! What an amazing piece.