Medieval ceramics
Medieval pottery is more than just decoration – it was the everyday tableware found on every table and used at every hearth, and it is what allows us to clearly distinguish between different periods and regions. Anyone involved in authentic re-enactment or setting up a period camp cannot do without handmade pottery modelled on historical examples. From the simple 8th-century Badorf jug to the glazed Bartmann jug of the Renaissance – every piece tells the story of the everyday culture of its time.
What defines medieval ceramics: production techniques and materials
Two production methods have shaped the entire history of medieval pottery: the coil-building technique (coil-built pottery) and wheel-throwing. In the coil-building technique, clay coils are laid on top of one another in a spiral pattern and smoothed – a process documented as far back as the Early Middle Ages and well beyond. Wheel-thrown ware, on the other hand, allows for more uniform wall thicknesses and came into increasing use, particularly from the High Middle Ages onwards.
From the 10th/11th century onwards, stoneware emerged as a technologically superior form of pottery: fired at temperatures above 1200 °C, the clay is completely sintered and thus becomes watertight – without glaze. Rhineland pottery centres such as Siegburg, Raeren and Cologne were leaders in this technique. For drinking vessels and jugs that came into daily contact with liquids, stoneware represented a significant advance over more porous earthenware.
Medieval potters used three main techniques for decoration: engobe (a clay slip of a different colour applied before firing), lead glaze (for glossy, water-resistant surfaces) and the use of the ‘Malhorn’ – a vessel filled with liquid clay used to apply delicate lines and patterns to the surface. The characteristic red zigzag pattern of Pingsdorf pottery is the best-known example of this decorative technique.
Modern replicas, such as those found in the Vehi Mercatus range, are closely based on these historical methods: handmade using the build-up technique or fired from stoneware, with surfaces that closely resemble the historical originals in both appearance and feel.
The main types of vessels and their historical function
Cups & drinking vessels
Ceramic drinking vessels were part of the basic equipment in every medieval household. The Viking Birka cup (0.4 l) is based on finds from the Swedish trading centre of Birka and fits in with Scandinavian depictions from the 9th–10th centuries. The Pingsdorf cup, with its characteristic red decoration, is ideal for High Medieval settings. The face cup from Cologne (0.2 l, 13th century) is a highlight of craftsmanship featuring a sculpted facial relief – popular at markets and in courtly depictions.
Jugs & Pitchers
Jugs were used for drawing, pouring and storing drinks. The Badorf globular jug (0.7 l, 8th–9th century) is one of the oldest forms; the Tatingen jug (1.5 l, 9th–10th century) originates from a Carolingian context and stands out for its elegant shape. The Rhineland jug (1.2 l, 13th century) and the medieval cylindrical-necked jug (approx. 0.75 l, 14th century) cover the High and Late Middle Ages. For the Renaissance, the Pingsdorf jug and, finally, the pint are the appropriate choices.
Spherical pot, oil lamp & aquamanile
The spherical pot was the universal cooking and storage vessel of the Middle Ages – placed directly in the embers, robust and versatile. The 3-wick oil lamp, modelled on Roman-Medieval designs, provides atmospheric camp lighting and is available in versions with and without a chain. The aquamanile (0.5 l, 12th century) is a figurative pouring and hand-washing jug from the courtly context – a status symbol at medieval banquets that reflected the table manners of the upper classes.
Authenticity in reenactment: Which ceramics suit which setting?
The choice of the right pottery depends directly on the era and region being portrayed. A Siegburg cup in a Viking camp would be just as anachronistic as a Birka mug in a late medieval town scene. The following overview helps with selecting the correct period-specific items:
- Birka mug – Scandinavian reenactments, Viking Age
- Spherical pot – suitable for all Germanic and Nordic camps
- Badorf spherical jug – Carolingian context, 8th–9th centuries
- Tatinger jug – trade routes, North Sea, 9th–10th centuries
- Suitable for Viking clothing and Germanic clothing
- Pingsdorf cup & jug – 11th–12th centuries, Rhineland
- Siegburg cup – stoneware, urban scenes, 13th century
- Aquamanile – courtly depictions, 12th century
- Face mug, Rhineland jug – 13th century, Cologne area
- Cylindrical-neck jug, pint, Bartmann jug – Late Middle Ages & Renaissance, also for LARP
For a specific selection by period, the subcategories Early Medieval Ceramics, High Medieval Ceramics, Late Medieval Ceramics, Renaissance Ceramics, and Market and LARP Ceramics are available.
From the Merovingian period to the Renaissance: Ceramics through the ages
Early Middle Ages & Carolingian period
Spherical pots and bent-wall cups dominate the scene. Badorf ware from the Rhineland and the Tatingen jug (with its characteristic tin foil decoration) are key finds from this period. In Scandinavia, the Birka cup appears as a typical drinking vessel. The pottery is predominantly hand-built, sometimes with grooved decoration.
High Middle Ages
Pingsdorf pottery, with its characteristic red Malhorn decoration, is the defining artefact of this era. From the 12th century onwards, the first high-quality stoneware developed in Siegburg – hard, waterproof and suitable for everyday use. The aquamanile, a figurative hand-washing vessel, appears in courtly contexts and bears witness to a growing need for prestige. Cologne develops into the most important pottery centre in the Rhineland.
Late Middle Ages
The cylindrical-necked jug (14th century) is a typical product of Cologne’s pottery workshops. Face-decorated cups with sculpted facial reliefs become widespread. The pottery centres in Raeren (Belgium) and Frechen produce for an international audience – their wares are found in archaeological contexts from Scandinavia to England.
Renaissance & Early Modern Period
The ‘Bartmann’ jug, with its bearded facial relief, and the pint (0.5 l, 16th–17th centuries) mark the transition to the modern era. These forms are also common at medieval markets and in LARP, as they represent robust, everyday stoneware. Regional differences between Rhineland stoneware and North German or Scandinavian pottery traditions persist into this period.
Price guide: Entry-level to high-quality replicas
For those new to the subject or looking to expand their collection: the Pingsdorf mug (0.35 l, €11.76), the Siegburg mug (0.4 l, approx. €12.61) and the Viking Birka mug (0.4 l, approx. €13.45) are sturdy everyday items with clear historical references. The face mug from Cologne (0.2 l) also falls within this price range at around €16.81.
Jugs and larger vessels such as the Badorf globular jug (0.7 l), the bent-wall mug / Early Medieval mug (0.6 l), the globular pot (0.5 l) and the Rhineland jug (1.2 l) are in the range of approx. €20–29. The Medieval cylindrical-neck jug (approx. 0.75 l) is a versatile late medieval piece costing around €24. All items are handmade and come from the Vehi Mercatus range.
The Tatinger jug (1.5 l, approx. €31.93) and the 3-wick oil lamp with chain (approx. €33.61) are elaborately crafted replicas for sophisticated displays. The highlight of the range is the aquamanile (0.5 l, 12th century, approx. €42.02) – a status symbol in a courtly context and a visual eye-catcher on any authentic banquet table. A sensible basic set combines a cup, a jug and an oil lamp.
Care and use: What you should bear in mind with handmade pottery
Unglazed stoneware pieces are generally not completely watertight. This is not a problem for occasional use at markets or in the camp – but they are not suitable for being filled continuously over a longer period. Pieces made of stoneware (Siegburg, Pingsdorf) are watertight due to high-temperature firing and are therefore more suitable for regular everyday use.
Handmade ceramic replicas should always be cleaned by hand with clean water and a soft cloth. Avoid using the dishwasher – the combination of heat, aggressive detergents and mechanical stress can damage both glazes and unglazed surfaces and significantly shorten their lifespan.
For the oil lamps, we recommend using only suitable lamp oil or purified olive oil – not paraffin or other fuels that are unsuitable for open ceramic lamps. Wicks should be trimmed regularly to a length of approx. 5–8 mm to ensure even burning and minimal soot formation. The 3-wick oil lamp with a chain can be hung up and is particularly suitable for tent lighting.
Ceramics are fragile – this also applies to sturdy stoneware. For transport to medieval markets or re-enactment events, we recommend good padding in the transport crate. Wrap items individually in fabric or separate them with newspaper. Particularly delicate shapes such as the aquamanile or the Tatinger jug with a narrow neck should be secured separately.
Whether it’s a Viking Birka mug for an early medieval camp, a Tatinger jug for display, or a 3-wick oil lamp for atmospheric camp lighting – you’ll find the right medieval ceramics for your re-enactment in the subcategories organised by era. Take your time to browse or give us a call if you’re unsure about your choice.
Frequently asked questions
Co-fired pottery (coil-building technique) is fired at lower temperatures and is generally porous – this corresponds to the historical manufacturing method of many early and high medieval vessels. Stoneware, on the other hand, is sintered at over 1200 °C, making it watertight and significantly more robust. Stoneware is recommended for regular use with liquids, whilst built-up ceramic pieces are ideal for decorative and occasional display purposes.
For a Viking re-enactment of the 9th–10th centuries, the Viking Birka cup (based on finds from Birka in Sweden), the spherical pot and the Tatinger jug are the most historically accurate pieces. Pingsdorf pottery or Siegburg stoneware, on the other hand, would be anachronistic, as these forms originate predominantly from the Rhineland and were scarcely found in Scandinavia.
Stoneware pieces such as the Siegburg mug or the Birka mug are generally food-safe and can be used for drinking. With unglazed earthenware vessels, you should bear in mind that these can be porous and are therefore more suitable for occasional use or for display purposes. For regular drinking, stoneware mugs are the better choice.
An aquamanile is a figurative pouring and hand-washing vessel from the courtly Middle Ages, which was particularly widespread in the 12th and 13th centuries. It was used to pour water over the hands of diners – an important table hygiene practice, as people ate with their hands. The figurative design (often in the shape of an animal or a knight) also made the aquamanile a status symbol. Our replica is based on High Medieval models from the 12th century.
For LARP and markets, where appearance and robustness are paramount, stoneware mugs (Siegburg, Pingsdorf, Birka) as well as the cylindrical-neck jug, the pint and the Bartmann jug are particularly suitable. These pieces are suitable for everyday use, create a atmospheric feel and can be used across different historical periods. In the ‘Medieval Market and LARP Ceramics’ subcategory, you’ll find pieces specially curated for this purpose.