| Stein
of the Month: October 2005 |
~ HR 436 - The Jester ~
Steins with jesters are well known, although not common, and the fool
who
employs a mirror so others may observe their own shortcomings is a
common figure
in German literature. The jester is frequently captured in pewter as a
thumblift
on our favorite collectible, and he can occasionally be found as part
of the
main decoration of a stein. HR 436, an etched half-liter stoneware
stein, is a
great example. The stein contains a single scene extending from handle
to
handle, with the words of a verse at either side. In the center of the
scene
sits a jester astride a beer barrel with a lyre in his right hand and a
mug in
his left. The mug is being filled by a monkey pouring from a serving
stein,
seated on top of a panel containing a verse.
The left portion of the scene provides the evidence that this rascal is
none
other than Eulenspiegel, German prankster of lore and legend, complete
with the
symbols of the owl and mirror from which his name derives. This
pictograph,
displaying the two symbols alluding to both Eulenspiegel's name and his
calling,
virtually shout, "Till Eulenspiegel's here!"
The verse on this stein provides a fitting observation about Till
Eulenspiegel,
who played the fool himself in order to expose the foolishness in
others:
The drunkard drinks and often thinks
he hates the noble brew.
Yet, when he's through,
he knows that he's
been made a fool anew.
For more information about Till Eulenspiegel, click this link to read
an
extensive article in the Library - "Till
Eulenspiegel - The Merry Prankster."
Photo credits to John McGregor.
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