Stein of the
Month: June 2001
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Salt-glazed
Relief Stein
with Drinking Symbolism
The stein shown to the right is
salt-glazed gray stoneware richly decorated in relief with symbols of drinking.
A monkey seated on the lid clutching his Stiefel (drinking boot) is an
oft-used symbol of the drinking habit. A bear (slow moving and slow witted)
forms the figural handle, with the rope around his neck forming the pewter
shank. The cats encircling the body provide a visual pun, as the word Kater
means both tomcat and hangover. The upper and lower frieze bands are comprised
of hops vines and buds, which also provide the monkey on the lid with a
comfortable place to rest. The verse reminds us of the virtues of drinking:
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'S ist besser mit Affen mit Kater und Bären
Als allzeit mit Ochsen und Eseln verkehren.
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Your precious time is better spent with tomcats,
monkeys and bears than with oxen and stubborn donkeys. |
The scenes on the body give us further insight into the proper use of our
precious time. In the same order as the scenes appear on the body, a cat
stretches to shake the stiffness of a good night's sleep, has a drink to slake
his thirst, does some socializing, gnaws on a herring to counter the effects of
too much alcohol, and retires to rest for another day.
© Stein Collectors
International 1996-2014
All rights reserved.
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