Jug with Pewter Lid

The jug made of Westerwald ceramics, which is 40 cm high, is light grey and decorated with blue cobalt paint. It features a hinged lid made of pewter. Its elongated shape recalls an amphora, the narrow handle and base of which often seem too small for the bulbous body of the vessel. Yet the jug stands stable and upright. Its body shows scenes from the story of Judith and Holofernes in eight rounded arch arcades. The siege of the Jewish fortress Betylua by the Assyrian commander-in-chief Holofernes is described in the Old Testament. Judith succeeded in winning Holofernes’ trust. When he fell asleep drunk, she cut off his head with his sword. His army then abandoned the siege. On the jug we see Judith between a priest and warrior, Holofernes asleep in his tent, Judith and Holofernes feasting, Judith beheading Holofernes and agitated soldiers in the camp. The hallmark of Westerwald ceramics is the grey, hard-burnt clay and the salt glaze, which make the ware waterproof and frost-resistant. This craftsmanship was influenced by the immigration of well-known potters from Siegburg and Raeren in the 16th century.