This exclusive Bellarmine jug dates from around 1550 and originates from the area of Cologne, Germany. The neck of the jug is decorated with the depiction of a bearded man.
The belly of the jug bears an explicit saying, engraved around the jug: "DRINCK UNT EST GOTS NIT VERGEST", in Dutch: "DRINK EN EET MAAR VERGEET GOD NIET", and in English: "DRIN AND EAT BUT DO NOT FORGET ABOUT THE GOD"
This kind of stoneware products as jugs, bottles, and pitchers had been initially made in Cologne. They were usually baked in temperature above 1200°C. A significant supply of the material which was used for the execution of this type of jugs still can be found in the area of the Rhine or Meuse river. This type of stoneware objects was very common in the 16th and 17th century in The Netherlands.
Height: ca. 21 cm (ca. 8 in.) Circuit: ca. 50 cm (ca. 19 in.)
Source: C. van Hees, Baardmannen en puntneuzen. Vorm, gebruik en betekenis van gezichtskruiken 1500-1700, Zwolle 2002