Barrel-Shaped Jug with a Fox and a Rooster
Unknown Artist
late 13th century
Medium
Glazed earthenware
Dimensions
8 11/16 × 6 3/4 × 4 7/8 in. (22.1 × 17.2 × 12.4 cm)
Classification
Ceramics-Pottery
Culture
French
Department
The Cloisters
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Cloisters Collection, 2015
Accession Number
2015.141
Tags
Art Historical Context
Step into the enchanting world of medieval French ceramics with this *Barrel-Shaped Jug a Fox and a Ro*, crafted by an unknown artist in the 13th century. of glazed earthenware—a low-fired clay coated with a shiny vitreous glaze for both waterproofing and vibrant decoration—this compact vessel (8 11/16 × 6 3/4 × 4 7/8 in.) exemplifies everyday artistry from Gothic-era France. Its barrel-like form, practical for pouring wine or ale, is adorned with lively figures of a sly fox eyeing a rooster, a nod to popular fables like those of Reynard the Fox. These animal motifs held cultural sway in medi...