![\"IMG_8688](\"http:\/\/blog.andrewbaseman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_8688-Version-2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThis jug of similar form and decoration still has its original handle.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
This early\u00a0black-brown salt glazed stoneware pewter-mounted Birnkrug “pear jug” was made in Annaberg, Germany in the second half of the 17th century. It has incised\u00a0scaled body decoration\u00a0of\u00a0stylized relief palmettes and leaf ornamentation divided by applied molded borders, the front with a figure of Jesus. It is embellished in\u00a0polychrome enamels and gilding, which have remained surprisingly vibrant after over 330 years. The hinged pewter lid is connected to a ball thumb piece and inset with\u00a0what appears to be a coin with a crucifixion scene.<\/p>\n
As rare as this 10″ \u00a0high jug is, it is even more special to me by possessing a pewter replacement handle, added by an 18th century tinker, most likely in Germany, after the original handle broke off. The delicate handle, with an intricate stippled wave design and border, is supported\u00a0by a\u00a0mounted pewter base ring and lid collar. I first saw this pricy jug at an antiques shop over one year ago and passed on it. But I recently stopped by\u00a0the shop again and was delighted to find that no one else had snatched it up. After a brief bargaining session\u00a0with the friendly dealer, I was finally was able to purchase\u00a0this gem and add it to my collection.<\/p>\n
This jug of similar form and decoration still has its original handle.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n