This unassuming small jug with a pewter mount has been part of the collections of the Volkskundemuseum Wien (Austrian Museum of Folk Life and Folk Art) since 1911. It depicts the half-figure of the praying Capuchin preacher Marco d’Aviano, who played an important role during the second Ottoman siege of Vienna in 1683. Four years later, this jug, dated "1687," was created.

It was only through specialized studies on Old Gmunden Faience that it became clear this is the oldest dated and figuratively painted faience vessel from the ceramics town of Gmunden known to date.

You can view the entire collection of Old Gmunden Faience at the Volkskundemuseum Wien here.