The Bonython flagon

Belgium

The Bonython flagon
1598
stoneware, applied relief, stamped decoration, cutwork, salt glaze
Place made
Raeren, Belgium
Medium
stoneware, applied relief, stamped decoration, cutwork, salt glaze
Dimensions
30.5 x 18.5 x 16.0 cm
Credit line
Gift of Hannibal Bonython through the Art Gallery of South Australia Foundation 2021. Donated through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program.
Accession number
20214C21
Signature and date
Not signed. Not dated.
Media category
Ceramic
Collection area
European decorative arts
Image credit
Photo: Saul Steed

  • WALL LABEL: The Bonython flagon, 1598

     

    With provenance to the Bonython family of Cornwall in England, who later rose to prominence in Adelaide, this flagon is a rare and unusual example of sixteenth-century European decorative arts. The original maker of this flagon is unknown, but we believe it was purchased or given to Richard Bonython in 1598. The work is thought to have been used later at the coronation of James VI of Scotland/James I of England. The flagon is made of stoneware with applied relief, stamped decoration, cut work and with a salt glaze. It features a design of a double-headed eagle with a crown bearing the date ‘1598’, with lions with crowns atop. The Royal Crest likely represents Queen Elizabeth I, the reigning monarch when the flagon was made. Items such as this would have held beer or wine and were used at royal banquets.

     

    Tansy Curtin, Curator of International Art Pre-1980

     

     



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