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Seal jug fragment
E25 Seal jug fragment
Seal jug fragment
Seal jug fragment

E25 Seal jug fragment

Date13th to 14th century
Object NameJug
Mediumpottery
ClassificationsArchaeology Excavated
LocationView by Appointment
Object numberABDMS053624
About MeThis is a sherd from a 'seal' jug, so-called because it has an applied motif which was a copy of the metal seals which were in use during the 13th and 14th century.

This jug was made in York in a fabric called 'white ware'. The fabric is white and the glaze on top contains lead which makes it green. The inscription says 'SIGI...' part of 'sigillum' which is Latin for 'seal'.

The jug from which this piece came probably had several applied 'seals' around its body, with other decoration in between. It would have been the prized possession of a medieval Aberdonian, who may have brought it up from Yorkshire, or acquired it here.