Pitcher

Raeren, Belgium, 16th century

Salt-glazed stoneware, decorated in relief, restored.

H: 22 cm

UMP 7777

This Renaissance-style small-handled stoneware pitcher is decorated with relief patterns and a salt glaze. The neck features a band of mascarons, scrolls and acanthi, while arcading is used to frame seven scenes presented on the body. Inscribed in relief: GERHET DU MUS DAPER BLASEN SO DANSEN BEI ALS WERDEN SI RASEN FRI UF

SPRICHT BASTOR ICH VERDANS DI KAP MIT EN KOR. High-fired stoneware (German: Steinzeug), a type of sintered ceramic fired to

a high temperature of approximately 1300 °C, has been produced in Europe since the Middle Ages. Salt was generally used in the surface treatment of this typical German stoneware. It was placed in the kiln toward the end of the firing process, evaporating to produce a vitreous surface on the object. (lmp)

Hans Sebald Beham, 1546

Bauerntanz (January and February; May and June)
engraving 4.9 x 7.2 cm

A simplified motif for the relief decoration of Raeren stoneware.