Rights Managed > Royal Cornwall Museum > Museum Objects > Ceramics
Bellarmine Jug, Germany
Filename: TRURI-2002-16-7.jpg
Size: 3786 x 5679 (4.2MB)
Date: 30th January 2019
Source: Royal Cornwall Museum
Author: MIke Searle
Copyright Status: Copyrighted Work
© RIC, photographer Mike Searle
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Royal Cornwall Museum
Bellarmine Jug, Germany
Bellarmines, or Beardman jugs, are highly fired, salt-glazed, stoneware jugs, made in large quantities in northern Europe from the 1500-1700s. They were used as containers for wine or beer and, as the name suggests, all are decorated with a distinctive bearded face. This particular jug was found on the seabed off Trefusis Point, near Falmouth, Cornwall, England. The jug is cracked, with a large piece missing at back, suggesting that it may have been lost from a trading vessel. TRURI : 2002.16.7
Royal Cornwall Museum is the UK's Greatest Museum For Cornish Life & Culture
TRURI : 2002.16.7
Media ID 18829139
© RIC, photographer Mike Searle
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a remarkable artifact from the past - a Bellarmine Jug, hailing from Germany. These unique jugs, also known as Bellarmines or Beardman jugs, were crafted with great skill and fired at high temperatures to achieve their distinctive salt-glazed stoneware appearance. Produced in abundance throughout northern Europe during the 1500-1700s, they served as vessels for storing wine or beer. The standout feature of this particular jug is its striking decoration - an intricately designed bearded face adorning its surface. The presence of this distinct feature gave rise to the name "Beardman" jugs. However, what makes this find even more intriguing is its origin far away from home. Discovered on the seabed off Trefusis Point near Falmouth in Cornwall, England, it hints at a fascinating journey across vast waters. The cracks and a significant missing piece at the back suggest that it may have been lost during transit on a trading vessel. With its glaze exhibiting shades of orange and brown along with pitted textures and an aged greybeard motif, this ceramic marvel stands as a testament to both artistic craftsmanship and maritime history. Preserved by the Royal Cornwall Museum (TRURI : 2002.16.7), this Bellarmine Jug offers us glimpses into centuries-old trade routes and cultural exchanges between distant lands – truly capturing our imagination through time's lens.
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