Record

Bellarmine

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From Eyemouth, Berwickshire

Postcard of Bellarmine.
000-100-045-840-C
© National Museums Scotland

Bellarmine

A bellarmine is a type of jug or tankard for ale or spirits bearing a bearded mask. This stoneware example was dug at Eyemouth in the Borders. It was made in Raeren in Germany in the 16th century. No stoneware was produced in Scotland at this time.

The mottled brown stoneware bellarmine has a coat-of-arms in addition to the bearded face. Stoneware, a highly-fired durable ceramic, was well-suited to holding valuable liquor.

The bellarmine is named after Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621), an Italian Jesuit theologian and cardinal whom the jugs were intended to caricature. Bellarmine, an important influence in the Counter-Reformation, was canonised.


Record details

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Online ID: 000-100-045-840-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.MEA 244
Date: 16th century
Material: Pottery, mottled brown ware
Dimensions: 95 mm H x 38 mm Dia (Rim); 62 mm Dia (Base)
What: Bellarmine / greybeard
Subject:
Who:
Where: Eyemouth
Event:
Description: Bellarmine or greybeard of mottled brown ware with a human face and crest, dug up at Eyemouth
References:
Translations:
Related Records:
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