Decorative Beer Stein
Date1901
Mediumstoneware. pewter
Dimensions7 1/8 × 6 1/2 × 4 3/4 in. (18.1 × 16.5 × 12.1 cm)
ClassificationsVessels & Containers
Credit LineAlbuquerque Museum, gift of Mr. and Mrs. Irving E. Meinrath in memory of Hattie and Louis C. Ilfeld
Object numberPC1984.6.2
DescriptionThis is a decorative beer stein with many embellishments and engravings. The stein is shaped like a wide cylinder with a widened base, a curved semi-circle handle on the side and a domed lid. The handle is connected to the lid via a metal hinge that has a decorative thumb press on top. The handle is a blue-grey color and the press is made of silver metal and is shaped like a closed flower, with an oval shape and leaves around it. When pressed down the hinge lifts the lid open so the stein can be used. The lid of the stein has metal around the outside curve. The center is bordered by a wreath of gold leaves with four red flowers with white centers arranged so that one is on each side. The image in the center is of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany. It is cream colored and has large columns with a triangular roof in front of a blue sky. Below the gate are the words "BRANDENBURGER THOR" (BRANDENBURGER GATE) written in black. The rim of the opening is a light teal color and also has the symbol " 1/2 L" engraved into it to denote the volume the stein can hold. Below this rim is a border the goes around the cup. The border is of diagonal lines alternating black and orange. Below this is another border of the same style however it alternates orange and white. The bottom has the same border style and the base is a light blue color. The main body of the stein is made up of a series of images and decorative names. On the left side is the skyline of a city with multiple spires and close buildings colored grey and white on a blue background. In front of the city is a decorative gold frame with a vase full of red flowers on top. Within this frame are words engraved in black that read "AM GRÜNEN STRAND / DER SPREE” (ON THE GREEN BANKS OF THE SPREE RIVER). A smaller frame houses a smaller red flower next to the large frame. In the front of the stein is an elaborate seal framed in gold. The seal has multiple components in front of a background of white. On the left side is a black bird holding a gold staff with its mouth open and a crown on its head. On its chest the letter "R" is written. On the right side is a red bird holding a dagger with a red crown on its head. In the middle of its chest is a blue shield with a golden rod on it. In between these two birds at the bottom of the seal is the official seal of Berlin. It is shaped like a shield and has a black bear standing on its hind legs in the middle. On top of the shield is a golden crown. The same smaller frame resides next to the seal on the right side of the stein. Here is another skyline with grey and white buildings and large domes on a blue background. In the same gold frame has the other side the word "BERLIN" is written in red. Underneath the stein is the makers mark for Villeroy & Boch, has well has the product number 2024.On View
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