FINE QUALITY SMALL SALTGLAZED STONEWARE BELLARMINE, SIEGBURG / COLOGNE, 1600

Description

A fine and collectable saltglazed German stoneware Bellarmine with bulbous body and nice ear-shaped handle; the neck with an applied 'surprised' mask; glazed on the top two-thirds with a fine, rich, reddish-brown 'Tiger' glaze; Cologne or Siegburg, Germany. circa 1600.
This superb Bellarmine is a little smaller than average at just 7 1/4 inches tall. The base diameter is 2 1/4 inches. It has a lovely compact form. There is a fine cordon around the rim for tying a leather tie to keep a cork or leather tie in place. It has a detailed mask of 'surprised' type with a shortish, clipped beard.
The bellarmine has had some restoration - this was done before we bought it so we can't be precise about the extent except to say it has been superbly done and the appearance is now perfect. Work seems to have been confined to the the handle and the shoulders just below the beard. The restoration is really superbly done and the appearance is now perfect (see all 12 accompanying photos).
This is a
rare
early Bellarmine of small size to add to your collection or inventory and a wonderful display item. Thanks for bidding and best of luck!