- Prague, Hlavni mesto Praha, Czech Republic
- Archaeology, Garbology, Garden Archaeology, Hafner Keramik, Post-Medieval Archaeology, Mediaeval Archaeology, and 24 morePottery (Archaeology), Medieval Prague, Scientific Analyses in Archaeology, Medieval Archaeology, Ceramics (Archaeology), Medieval Pottery, Post medieval pottery, Material Culture Studies, Postmedieval Archaeology, Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), Ceramic Technology, Stove Tiles, Material Culture, Pottery, Pottery technology and function, MAJOLICA, Pottery studies, Pottery kilns, Archaeology in Switzerland, Pottery Technology, Ceramics 17th - 19th Century, Maiolica, Ceramics (Art History), and Ceramica postmedievaleedit
The paper presents everyday life of the inhabitants of Prague New Town in the early modern period through archaeological finds coming from the fill of a large cesspit belonging to the former burgher house No. 69/II in Spálená Street. The... more
The paper presents everyday life of the inhabitants of Prague New Town in the early modern period through archaeological finds coming from the fill of a large cesspit belonging to the former burgher house No. 69/II in Spálená Street. The performed analysis proved the interpretation of the finds’ context difficult with regard to the repetitive use of the feature. The assemblage of the artefacts is not exceptional; therefore attention was focused on its most attractive component – the pewter ware. The authors attempted a broader search of this issue and analysis of available written evidence with the aim to find out whether the obtained data can bring nearer the events on the smallest urban cell represented by a burgher plot.
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Zwischen den Jahren 2011 und 2013 fanden archäologische Untersuchungen des Nationalen Kulturerbe-Instituts im Palais von Graf von Martinitz, Thungasse, Prag, statt. Während der Ausgrabungen wurde eine neuzeitliche Abfallgrube entdeckt.... more
Zwischen den Jahren 2011 und 2013 fanden archäologische Untersuchungen des Nationalen Kulturerbe-Instituts im Palais von Graf von Martinitz, Thungasse, Prag, statt. Während der Ausgrabungen wurde eine neuzeitliche Abfallgrube entdeckt. Die Abfallgrube, eine sogenannte Latrine, dürfte zum ehemaligen Theatinerkloster gehört haben1. Die Grube enthielt zahlreiche Keramikfunde, die vom Alltag im Kloster am Ende des 17. Jahrhunderts und im 18. Jahrhundert erzählen.
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Long-term archaeological research in the historic towns of Prague has brought a wealth of knowledge about the course of their settlement and many assemblages of kitchen and table ceramics, those from the Modern Age being largest in... more
Long-term archaeological research in the historic towns of Prague has brought a wealth of knowledge about the course of their settlement and many assemblages of kitchen and table ceramics, those from the Modern Age being largest in number. An assemblage of Modern-Age kitchen and table ceramics also containing a unique faience vessel was discovered during archaeological research
carried out by the Prague branch of the National Heritage Institute in 2012 in the rear part of the land of a building in the Old Town (Fig. 1). The assemblage comes from a building that underwent many building modifications. The early-medieval stone core of the building was provided with
a semi-sunken entranceway annex, perhaps in the 14th century, and this was used in the late and evidently the peak Middle Ages. It was filled in sometime in the early Modern Age. The filling of this “cellar” provided finds of glass and a large assemblage of ceramics. The predominant part of the assemblage consisted of fragments of glazed vessels, most commonly pots and pans, as well as jugs
and plates/dishes. Dishes, jugs and an uncommon colander and pan were registered. The red of the body and the green and white painting categorise these pieces under the red pottery grouping. The motif of human figures appeared alongside common decorative geometric and plant elements.
Among the most interesting finds in the assemblage was a small faience vessel. This is a stylised owl’s head with distinctive eyes and prominent ears (Fig. 7). The surface is covered by a white faience/majolica coating, on which cobalt blue painting representing a stylised feather stands out. The artefact can be interpreted as a lid that covered the neck of a jug in the form of an animal’s, in this case an
owl’s, body. These “Eulengefässe” were designed for drinking or as decorative interior elements and are among the oldest faience products. We come across them quite often in German assemblages (Hüseler 1956, 160, Abb. 65; Ulbert 1993, 171), but there is presently no known example from the Czech lands. Finds from the filling of the cellar in what is now Bartolomějská Street date back to between
the 2nd half of the 16th and the 1st half of the 17th century. The presence of what are known as “Beroun goods” are decisive for the dating mentioned, while areal decoration using a special cutter on the Summary 277
bodies of utility pots and jugs is also a chronologically sensitive indicator (Fig. 6). Prague successfully
engaged in international long-distance trade for the first time in the 2nd half of the 16th century, becoming a prominent centre of business (Mendelová/Státníková 2001, 55). We will probably never know how a faience vessel (if it was ever complete) made its way into an otherwise common set of kitchen and table ceramics, but its presence need not be so surprising within the context of the
facts presented. What is clear is that the total absence of these vessels in this area means it was not a commonly available item. In fact, we do not come across the products of German faience manufacture in greater number until the 18th century.
carried out by the Prague branch of the National Heritage Institute in 2012 in the rear part of the land of a building in the Old Town (Fig. 1). The assemblage comes from a building that underwent many building modifications. The early-medieval stone core of the building was provided with
a semi-sunken entranceway annex, perhaps in the 14th century, and this was used in the late and evidently the peak Middle Ages. It was filled in sometime in the early Modern Age. The filling of this “cellar” provided finds of glass and a large assemblage of ceramics. The predominant part of the assemblage consisted of fragments of glazed vessels, most commonly pots and pans, as well as jugs
and plates/dishes. Dishes, jugs and an uncommon colander and pan were registered. The red of the body and the green and white painting categorise these pieces under the red pottery grouping. The motif of human figures appeared alongside common decorative geometric and plant elements.
Among the most interesting finds in the assemblage was a small faience vessel. This is a stylised owl’s head with distinctive eyes and prominent ears (Fig. 7). The surface is covered by a white faience/majolica coating, on which cobalt blue painting representing a stylised feather stands out. The artefact can be interpreted as a lid that covered the neck of a jug in the form of an animal’s, in this case an
owl’s, body. These “Eulengefässe” were designed for drinking or as decorative interior elements and are among the oldest faience products. We come across them quite often in German assemblages (Hüseler 1956, 160, Abb. 65; Ulbert 1993, 171), but there is presently no known example from the Czech lands. Finds from the filling of the cellar in what is now Bartolomějská Street date back to between
the 2nd half of the 16th and the 1st half of the 17th century. The presence of what are known as “Beroun goods” are decisive for the dating mentioned, while areal decoration using a special cutter on the Summary 277
bodies of utility pots and jugs is also a chronologically sensitive indicator (Fig. 6). Prague successfully
engaged in international long-distance trade for the first time in the 2nd half of the 16th century, becoming a prominent centre of business (Mendelová/Státníková 2001, 55). We will probably never know how a faience vessel (if it was ever complete) made its way into an otherwise common set of kitchen and table ceramics, but its presence need not be so surprising within the context of the
facts presented. What is clear is that the total absence of these vessels in this area means it was not a commonly available item. In fact, we do not come across the products of German faience manufacture in greater number until the 18th century.
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"Komparativní rozbor inventáře nálezů ze dvou odpadních jímek. Početný soubor archeologických nálezů získaných výzkumem domovních parcel situovaných v různých částech Prahy přináší nové poznatky k hmotné kultuře jejich obyvatel v době... more
"Komparativní rozbor inventáře nálezů ze dvou odpadních jímek. Početný soubor archeologických nálezů získaných výzkumem domovních parcel situovaných v různých částech Prahy přináší nové poznatky k hmotné kultuře jejich obyvatel v době pozdního středověku až raného novověku.
Analysis from two cess pits and problems with their interpretation.
Comparative analysis of the finds inventory from two cess pits. Large assemblage of archaeological finds from excavations of two house plots situated in various parts of Prague brings new information about the material culture of its inhabitants in late medieval and early Post medieval times.
"
Analysis from two cess pits and problems with their interpretation.
Comparative analysis of the finds inventory from two cess pits. Large assemblage of archaeological finds from excavations of two house plots situated in various parts of Prague brings new information about the material culture of its inhabitants in late medieval and early Post medieval times.
"
Rescue research carried out in Vlašská Street in Malá Strana, Prague in 2012 provided an opportunity to investigate a previously unknown pottery workshop specializing in the manufacture of redpainted pottery. A large kiln unearthed on... more
Rescue research carried out in Vlašská Street in Malá Strana, Prague in 2012 provided an
opportunity to investigate a previously unknown pottery workshop specializing in the manufacture of redpainted
pottery. A large kiln unearthed on the site contained clay material as well as several body fragments
that proved suitable for reconstruction. The fragments confirm that light pottery was also produced in
Prague. Taking into account further production equipment uncovered in Malá Strana before and available
material sources, it appears that the site might have had a specific importance for Prague pottery in the
Middle Ages.
opportunity to investigate a previously unknown pottery workshop specializing in the manufacture of redpainted
pottery. A large kiln unearthed on the site contained clay material as well as several body fragments
that proved suitable for reconstruction. The fragments confirm that light pottery was also produced in
Prague. Taking into account further production equipment uncovered in Malá Strana before and available
material sources, it appears that the site might have had a specific importance for Prague pottery in the
Middle Ages.
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This article sums up information from a planned dissertation that did not come to fruition, centred on the processing of pottery unearthed by archaeological excavations in the town of Turnov. It presents the applied and planned... more
This article sums up information from a planned dissertation that did not come to fruition, centred
on the processing of pottery unearthed by archaeological excavations in the town of Turnov. It presents the
applied and planned procedures on the basis of which the work was to be executed; at the same time, it
points out problems the research ran into and that resulted in the change in the nature of the published work.
on the processing of pottery unearthed by archaeological excavations in the town of Turnov. It presents the
applied and planned procedures on the basis of which the work was to be executed; at the same time, it
points out problems the research ran into and that resulted in the change in the nature of the published work.
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"Comparative analysis of the finds inventory from two cess pits. Large assemblage of archaeological finds from excavations of two house plots situated in various parts of Prague brings new information about the material culture of its... more
"Comparative analysis of the finds inventory from two cess pits. Large assemblage of archaeological finds from excavations of two house
plots situated in various parts of Prague brings new information about the material culture of its inhabitants in late medieval and early Post
medieval times."
plots situated in various parts of Prague brings new information about the material culture of its inhabitants in late medieval and early Post
medieval times."
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In 2004, a set of ceramic fragments from vessels was rescued from the “casino” area, built on order by Albrecht von Wallenstein (1583-1634) in the 1620-30's near Jičín. The general rarity of the fragments among the historical sources of... more
In 2004, a set of ceramic fragments from vessels was rescued from the “casino” area, built on order by Albrecht von Wallenstein (1583-1634) in the 1620-30's near Jičín. The general rarity of the fragments among the historical sources of Renaissance ceramics so far called for their more accurate geographical and chronological determination. The first challenge was to determine their function. Judging by the morphologic marks and technical detail (drain holes, massive handle), these may be luxurious garden pots that served for the cultivation of primarily exotic plants, probably citrus. Preliminary conclusions, supported by a misinterpretation of certain historic events, pointed towards a younger date of the pots. A more detailed analysis of their rich relief decoration together with available analogies, however, show that the pots were most likely part of the complex during the Wallenstein period. The Jičín flowerpots, then, represent a hitherto unknown piece of the mosaic of understanding the unique Wallenstein design and attest to its admirable sense of perfection and detail. They are no less important, however, for becoming acquainted with the content of the material culture that is gradually becoming the garden archaeology of Bohemia.
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The development of the Czech garden archaeology is only in its beginning. That is why there are not so many examples which could shift our knowledge further. Practically no archaeological research aimed in the first place on the Medieval... more
The development of the Czech garden archaeology is only in its beginning. That is why there are not so many examples which could shift our knowledge further. Practically no archaeological research aimed in the first place on the Medieval Gardens in Czech Republic took place yet. On the other hand, however, there are few researches of currently renovated park resorts, whose predecessor was the Early Modern gardens and hunting parks. Such an example is so called „casino“ on the vicinity of the town of Jicin (north-eastern Bohemia). This park ordered to build Duke Albrecht of Wallenstein in the first half of the 17. century.
Although a comprehensive archaeological research of the site is still missing, we can gain the comprehensive idea of how the intended area looked like thanks to cooperation with the history of arts, historical research and historical building survey of still standing buildings. In the park, which was situated next to the hunting park, there were few „grottas“ and fountains. There was also a representative building and an economic background so called as „loggia“. The source of Wallenstein´s inspiration was undoubtedly the Renaissance Italy, which was famous for its landscape composition together with an attention to detail. One of the evidence is the recently discovered assemblage of the ceramic flower pots, which the Duke had ordered to make, although the whole area was still far from the final completion. From the rich Wallenstein´s correspondence we can make an idea of different species of cultivated plants, which should have increased the overall prestige of the summer residence. This summer residence had the Duke, on top of that, connected with his residential town of Jicin with two kilometres long, still existing linden alley.
Although the dating of this complex is beyond the time frame defined by this section, I think it would be a good opportunity to present it here from two following reasons: first, as an example of the use of sophisticated landscape composition, and second, as a proof of gradually growing research interest in this issue.
Although a comprehensive archaeological research of the site is still missing, we can gain the comprehensive idea of how the intended area looked like thanks to cooperation with the history of arts, historical research and historical building survey of still standing buildings. In the park, which was situated next to the hunting park, there were few „grottas“ and fountains. There was also a representative building and an economic background so called as „loggia“. The source of Wallenstein´s inspiration was undoubtedly the Renaissance Italy, which was famous for its landscape composition together with an attention to detail. One of the evidence is the recently discovered assemblage of the ceramic flower pots, which the Duke had ordered to make, although the whole area was still far from the final completion. From the rich Wallenstein´s correspondence we can make an idea of different species of cultivated plants, which should have increased the overall prestige of the summer residence. This summer residence had the Duke, on top of that, connected with his residential town of Jicin with two kilometres long, still existing linden alley.
Although the dating of this complex is beyond the time frame defined by this section, I think it would be a good opportunity to present it here from two following reasons: first, as an example of the use of sophisticated landscape composition, and second, as a proof of gradually growing research interest in this issue.
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Unikátní soubor keramických květináčů, nalezený v areálu valdického letohrádku u Jičína, je dalším dokladem bohatství materiální kultury, kterou se Albrecht z Valdštejna obklopoval.
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This anthology is a collection of works from the EUROPA POSTMEDIAEVALIS conference held in Prague in the spring of 2018. As the name of the conference suggests, the subject of interest is the Early Modern period (15th to 18th century) and... more
This anthology is a collection of works from the EUROPA POSTMEDIAEVALIS conference held in Prague in the spring of 2018. As the name of the conference suggests, the subject of interest is the Early Modern period (15th to 18th century) and the manner in which this relatively young discipline in the field of archaeology is approached in Europe. The first year of the conference set the goal of searching for topics in post-medieval archaeology that reflect their current situation while simultaneously addressing a broader group of scholars. Therefore, it is hardly surprising that the central theme pursued by generations across Europe proved to be Early Modern ceramics, the large assemblages of which are for many of us the bread and butter of our daily lives – a delight and often a headache resulting from their further processing. Since this issue is the one perceived most acutely here in the Czech Republic, we decided to share our current quandaries in this field with both our domestic and foreign colleagues. The long-term objective of the conference is to create a professional platform with a uniform communication language (English) and a biennial periodicity allowing us to meet regularly to exchange experience gained in our study and work in post-medieval archaeology. The articles published in this anthology reflect the current state of research of Early Modern pottery in individual European countries (the Czech Republic, Croatia, Italy, Hungary, Germany, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Switzerland), including both successes and possible shortcomings. The individual studies should serve as impulses for further study, ideas for thought and discussion and, last but not least, as study material for those who come into contact with Early Modern material culture as part of their work.
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EUROPA POSTMEDIAEVALIS 2020 conference: Post-medieval pottery in the spare time The conference aims to discuss the following issues: How did people spend their spare time in the post-medieval period? Who could afford to enjoy their spare... more
EUROPA POSTMEDIAEVALIS 2020 conference: Post-medieval pottery in the spare time
The conference aims to discuss the following issues: How did people spend their spare time in the post-medieval period? Who could afford to enjoy their spare time? And – most importantly – how did this reflect upon pottery products?
You can find more information and application form here:
https://www.czdean.cz/europa-postmediaevalis/
or
http://www.arup.cas.cz/?p=31739#more-31739
The conference aims to discuss the following issues: How did people spend their spare time in the post-medieval period? Who could afford to enjoy their spare time? And – most importantly – how did this reflect upon pottery products?
You can find more information and application form here:
https://www.czdean.cz/europa-postmediaevalis/
or
http://www.arup.cas.cz/?p=31739#more-31739