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Jug
Probably painted by: Johann Balthasar Thau (1660–1713)
German
1696
Object Place: Europe, Germany
Medium/Technique
Tin-glazed earthenware decorated in cobalt and manganese, with silver mounts
Dimensions
29 x 15.7 cm (11 7/16 x 6 3/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Rita and Frits Markus
Accession Number1980.612
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsCeramics – Pottery – Earthenware
DescriptionThe jug has a globular body from which a slightly flaring, horizontally ribbed neck rises to a wider circular mouth with a pinched spout. The handle is braided from a central rib; the braiding bifurcates at the juncture with the body. The body rests on a flared foot. The ground color of the jug is pale blue; the painted decoration is in cobalt blue and manganese purple. The primary register, which occupies the belly of the jug, depicts a continuous landscape with clusters of buildings, trees in the near, middle, and far distance, and groups of figures engaged in a variety of activities including fishing, boating, and riding. This register is bordered at top and bottom by double cobalt blue bands enclosing spiral tendrils with flowers. The ribbed neck is decorated with a similar continuous landscape with trees, buildings, and two figures conversing. A band of scrolls alternating with flowers encircles the mouth. Scrolls and a continuous leaf motif decorate the handle. The pale blue glaze covers the interior of the jug, and slight traces are visible on the base. The jug is fitted with silver in mounts, which comprise the cover and thumb-piece, handle sleeve, and foot rim. The domed cover has an undulating rim and is decorated with a repoussé floral band; the finial is in the form of a round piece of fruit supported by three leaves. The cast foliate thumbpiece is pierced, and the sleeve on the handle is engraved with simple linear designs. The foot rim is foliated. An inventory number, INV 10367, is painted in black on the unglazed base.
Marks
(1) on unglazed base: monogram BLT (?) and date 1696
(2) on silver finial leaf, struck: lozenge-shaped stamp enclosing ZII
(3) on silver foot rim, struck: lozenge-shaped stamp enclosing ZII
(4) on silver lid flange, struck: maker's mark I H flanking three leaves, in circle
(5) on silver foot rim, struck: maker's mark I H flanking three leaves, in circle
(2) on silver finial leaf, struck: lozenge-shaped stamp enclosing ZII
(3) on silver foot rim, struck: lozenge-shaped stamp enclosing ZII
(4) on silver lid flange, struck: maker's mark I H flanking three leaves, in circle
(5) on silver foot rim, struck: maker's mark I H flanking three leaves, in circle