Beer Steins

Beer Stein, Villeroy and Boch. 1885-1910, Ceramic, Metal

A ceramic with metal lid stein made by Villeroy and Boch stamped with the Mettlach symbol is dated to have been made around 1885-1910. This specific Mettlach stamp started to be used in 1882 and continues to be put on Villeroy and Boch steins today. The scene on this stein resembles scenes from the Renaissance which, along with old Germanic culture and neo-gothic, were often portrayed on tankards. This specific scene has men drinking around a table with dogs at their feet and a woman serving more drinks. This scene reinforces to social portrayal as women serving the men. It can also be assumed that a man would be drinking out of this stein. Upon the death of Robert Wilkinson this stein was bequest to the Fleming Museum.

Beer Stein, Villeroy and Boch. 1885-1910, Ceramic, Metal

The scene depicted on this stein emphasizes a nostalgic fascination many people continue to have of German beer culture. The quaint imagery shows several German men happily drinking with one another within an early modern German beer garden. It also provides the viewer insight into gender dynamics of the time as center of the image focuses on a group of three rowdy men, skilled in the art of warfare, downing copious amounts of alcohol. Many steins like these were manufactured as souvenirs rather than for common use. This particular Stein was created very close to the border between Germany, France, and Luxembourg, in a town called Mettlatch by the company Villeroy and Boch.  The piece was then acquired by Robert Wilkinson, who subsequently donated this item to the museum in the form of an entry made in his will.