~ Relief Pottery Steins ~ (Earthenware & Painted Stoneware Steins) Collecting Beer Steins - An Introduction to the Hobby

 Earthenware is pottery that has not been fired to the point of vitrification and is thus, slightly porous and coarser than either stoneware or porcelain. 

The body has to be covered with a heavy glaze to make it impermeable and more amenable to decoration. From circa 1880 to the present, vast quantities of relief pottery (earthenware) and painted stoneware steins were produced in Germany for use in that country and for export. 

The bodies of these steins are cast with relief scenes either painted or color-glazed. These are the steins commonly found today in antique shops or flea markets. There are certain categories that have become quite popular, such as those with scenes of sporting events. Painted or transfer-fired brewery steins, depending upon the particular brewery, are also currently popular. 

Some notable manufacturers include Diesinger (D.R.G.M.), Gerz, Hauber & Reuther (HR), Thewalt, and Marzi & Remy. A few collectors also search out examples designed by specific artists such as Franz Ringer and Karl Beuler.