Bartmann Jugs from Tbilisi — Import and Local Imitations of the German Stoneware in Georgia

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55804/TSU-ti-1/Chologauri

Keywords:

Bartmann Jugs, Import, German Stoneware, Georgia

Abstract

Tbilisi is archaeologically one of the least studied sites in Georgia as it always was a densely populated area throughout its presence. Therefore, every single archaeological discovery from Tbilisi deserves much attention. A significant group of the artefacts (vessels) was discovered in Gudiashvili Square (Old Tbilisi) in the context of an archaeological treasure – deliberately hidden in one of the Kvevri in the 18 th -19 th century wine cellar. These vessels must have been produced in the same ceramic workshop due to the similarity of their ornamentation and shapes. Bearded man face mask depicted on the vessels categorizes them in the group of the pottery known as Bartmann/Bellarmine jugs (Bartmanner in German means bearded man). Bartmann jugs are one of the most popular group of the ‘Rhenish Stoneware’ – ceramics made in Central Europe (Germany) and distributed worldwide throughout the 16th -18th centuries. Bartmann jugs from Gudiashvili Square, with the parallels from another archaeological sites of Tbilisi, is believed to be locally produced imitations of the original vessels imported from Europe. Import and local imitations of the Bartmann jugs from the territory of Georgia are capable of drawing a very important picture of trade networks between the kingdom of Kartli/Georgia and Europe in 17th -18th centuries.

Author Biography

Lana Chologauri /Sakartvelo, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University

Master of archaeology, PhD candidate and invited teacher at Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Georgia. Archaeology monitor in Old Tbilisi rehabilitation project. Member of the various archaeological projects in Georgia, Iran, Oman and Italy (2010-current). Experienced cultural heritage and archaeology monitor with a demonstrated history of working in various projects in Georgia. Actively engaged in international conferences, workshops and lectures. Author and co-author of the scientific articles published in Georgian and English. Researcher of the antiquity in Georgia. Research field – silver vessels from antiquity, reconstructing social and political situation in Georgia and the Caucasus based on the luxury goods (silver vessels) owned by local elite.

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Published

2022-05-07

How to Cite

/Sakartvelo, . L. C. (2022). Bartmann Jugs from Tbilisi — Import and Local Imitations of the German Stoneware in Georgia. TSU-TI — THE INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.55804/TSU-ti-1/Chologauri

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Articles