Northern European Ceramics before 1603
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Glasgow Museums holds a notable collection of late medieval and Renaissance ceramics from northern Europe, including France, Germany, England and the Netherlandish regions. There is a beautifully painted late sixteenth century tin-glazed jar of French faience. Imitating the fine maiolica wares of Italy, the products of centres such as Nevers and Rouen were highly sought after by an elite and noble clientele. Also represented in the collection is the salt-glazed stoneware of the German Rhineland. Exported in great numbers all over Europe, and later to the colonies, these robust wares provided durable drinking, serving and storage vessels in homes and public taverns. The collection includes some good sixteenth century examples of these German wares, some embellished with silver and pewter lids, including a decorative ‘Bartmann’ (bearded man) jug. Most numerous in the collection are the varied earthenware items produced by the clay industries of the thirteenth to sixteenth century, many of English origin. From drinking vessels, jugs and bowls, to watering pots, money boxes and whistles, many of these items were produced for all members of society and intended for practical everyday use. Most of these pieces were donated to Glasgow by Sir William and Lady Burrell in 1944.
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