Funnel-necked jug

Some 16 cm high, this vessel made of stoneware comes from Siegburg, one of the oldest and most important pottery centres in Germany. The popular, flamed stoneware jugs with their characteristic funnel-shaped neck have been made there since the 14th century. The example shown here has an egg-shaped body, a conically widening neck and a small round handle. The foot of the jug has an undulating design. A special feature are the three round medallions on the body of the vessel: one shows a woman with a cross over her right shoulder, holding a chalice in her left hand. The surrounding scroll bears the inscription ‘DER GELOF’, meaning ‘faith’. The other two round medallions are decorated with angel heads. The golden age of Siegburg’s pottery art ended in 1632 with the destruction of the city at the hands of Swedish troops.