Casgliadau Arlein

Jug, large, creamy grey salt-glaze stoneware, partly decorated in underglaze blue, pewter foot rim, shallow stem, baluster body, lower part gadrooned, the waist with an arcade of eight arched panels, depicting the Acts of Corporal Mercy, 1.Feeding the Hungry, 2.Giving Drink to the Thirsty, 3.Clothing the Naked, 4.Harbouring Strangers, 5.Visiting the Sick, 6.Ransoming Prisoners, 7.Burying the Dead, and with the Last Judgement in the 8th; circular medallion behind the handle, inscribed SM, winged figure presenting a vase of flowers to a seated man (perhaps St Matthew); moulded ribs above and below; the shoulders incised and impressed with straps and floriate scrolls, between turned diaper panels; the neck ornamented with a freize of musketeers; strap handle, rolled terminal; stepped pewter cover, hinged, with a knurled rim and top, and with a baluster thumbpiece, extension over the handle ornamented with cast rosettes.