Folk and Fable Antiques has dated this Bartmann Stoneware Bellarmine Jug to the 17th Century.
An extraordinary Bartmann jug that has come into contact with a large piece of kiln material during a turbulent firing ; resulting in a mass of minerals fusing to the side of the jug and being fully salt-glazed.
Throughout the 17th century these jugs were also used by some as witches bottles. Witches bottles were believed to be counter magical devices used as protection against Dark magic. They were filled with various objects such as hair, nail clippings, pins, nails, wine or urine and rosemary, which were thought to benefit their owners or harm their enemies. Bottles with malevolent-looking face masks typical of the period, were routinely chosen for this very purpose.
It was widely believed that witches often gained access to homes through deviant paths such as the chimney stack. Witches bottles were therefore placed into walls, roofs, floorboards or fireplaces to ward off evil spirits.
This one now makes for a wonderful piece of decorative art!
Condition is decent, commensurate with age and use. Missing its handle and there is a small hairline crack near the neck which is stable (see photos).
Measures 22cm x 14cm x 12.5cm
Weighs 850 grams
Folk and Fable Antiques has dated this Bartmann Stoneware Bellarmine Jug to the 17th Century.
Unique pieces for collectors and curious minds
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Rare Antique 17th Century Bartmann Kiln Waster, C.1650
