Jug with the coat of arms of the William of Orange 1574

This jug, bearing the coat of arms of William of Orange, was made by Anno Knütgen, probably in the late 16th century, using a combination of molded stoneware and applied decoration, finished with a metal lid. The jug's salt-glazed stoneware body speaks to a tradition of utilitarian pottery elevated by skilled craftsmanship. Its surface texture is not merely decorative; the ridges and applied reliefs required careful handling of the clay, demanding precise timing in the firing process to achieve the desired effect. The coat of arms, along with other motifs, suggest a connection to specific social and political contexts of the time. By engaging with traditional pottery techniques, Knütgen imbued this jug with cultural significance, transforming a simple vessel into a potent symbol of identity and allegiance. This stoneware jug challenges traditional hierarchies that separate craft from fine art.