Jug

Date: Early 1500s

This large ovoid Maiolica jug was excavated from King William Street in 1994. The vessel is decorated in cobalt, ochre and copper oxides with instruments of Christ's Passion (a pillar, scourge, crown of thorns, nails, lance and sponge filled with vinegar). The term 'passion' (from the Latin passio, 'suffer') refers to the period leading up to the crucifixion and Christ's travails and sufferings on the cross. Each instrument symbolises a particular stage or event: the pillar represents the post to which Christ was tied while he was scourged, and the lance the weapon used to pierce his side.

Accession number: KWS94[1464]

Place of collection: Regis House and Ridgeway House, King William Street EC4 [City of London]

Material: ceramic

Measurements: H c. 235 mm; DM 126 mm

Gallery location: Case 27.1

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