Neidermeyer Selter Water Jug (circa 1887)

I found this ceramic brownstone jug very unique in design,and color. Actually, it's a miriad of colors,ranging in tone of brown to peach,yellow,then tan. When in sunlight it is most beautiful,and that is the lighting I have used here for my pictures. When I read about this particular item,the story behind this ceramic piece is fasinating,to say the least ! From what I understand,this ceramic jug was once used to carry Holy Water from the artesian springs to the people of the villages in tiny islands in the pacific. This piece was hand made,and then the piece was finished on a potter's wheel, then the bottom was cut with a copper wire. You can see the wheel turning marks,and the cut mark from the wire on the bottom of the jug. This ceramic piece is marked no.66 ~ Also, there is an insignia which was hand stamped by artisans of the village. The mark has a symbol of a phoenix,and the wording "SELTER NASSAU" It is approx 11 1/2" h x 3" diam on the bottom. The top of the opening is 1/2" ..... I hope you enjoy viewing this piece as much as I have enjoyed owning it.
My Sister gave it to my Father,as she didn't think it was worth much. Then my Father gave it to me.