Salt-Glazed Stoneware Jug, MG 077

A Siegburg white salt-glazed stoneware jug (H 24cm x W 13cm x D 10cm) with a single handle and silver mounts on the lid, collar, handle top and foot. The jug is decorated with a neck frieze which consists of cherubs heads in a circle at each end, with leaf and strap work between. In the middle there is a prominent heart and another mask. The upper slopes of the body are decorated with a criss-cross geometric design and the lower part of the body is decorated with gadrooning, a series of convex curves in a sweeping series. The mounts, which appear to be of later date, are richly decorated with a floral motif. There is a mark R.B.E. on the thumb plate. Siegburg stoneware, has a distinctive grey-white glaze and was handmade. Decoration was pressed with reusable moulds meaning it was quick to produce in large quantities. Both silver and pewter mounts were used. This type of jug has a wide distribution based on the development of the Hanseatic League and their development of trading posts across Europe.