Small Jug Or Medieval Pitcher With A Bridged Spout—from The Dauphiné Or Lyon Region—10th–12th Century.

Small medieval jug or "pégau" with a bridged spout—Dauphiné or Lyonnais—10th–12th century

Small medieval jug or “pégau” made of dark terracotta, likely produced regionally in the Dauphiné or Lyonnais regions.

Globular in shape, the vessel features a rounded body with a domed base, a short neck with a circular opening, a large vertical handle, and, on the opposite side, a spout connected to the neck, forming a bridged spout.

The handle, spout, and their attachments are decorated with small applied and finger-impressed clay discs, forming a particularly interesting and characteristic design.

This type can be linked to several sets of medieval pottery discovered during archaeological excavations in the Bas-Dauphiné and the Lyonnais regions, notably at Saint-Alban-de-Roche, where vessels with domed bases and the beginnings of a bridged spout have been found, as well as at the Lyon Saint-Jean – Îlot Tramassac excavation site, which yielded jugs with bridged spouts dating back to around the 10th century.

These connections are part of a broader context of regional ceramic production in the Lyonnais and Dauphiné regions around the year 1000 and during the 11th and 12th centuries. The finds from the medieval settlement at Charavines, on Lake Paladru, also constitute an important reference corpus for 11th-century Dauphiné ceramics.

The piece retains a beautiful archaeological patina, with ancient deposits and concretions covering its entire surface. The concentric marks from the potter’s wheel remain clearly visible on the body.

An interesting example of regional medieval utilitarian pottery, preserved to the present day in excellent condition.

Period: probably 10th–12th centuries.
Probable origin: Dauphiné or Lyonnais.
Dark-bodied terracotta.

Dimensions:
Height: 8.5 cm
Width: 15 cm