Vintage Ceramic Beer Stein Mug illustrated with leaping deer, and man in lederhosen and a women in a dirndl with milk pails handing from a wooden balancing rod on her shoulders, and an alpine chalet.
The word "stein" is of German origin. The etymology of the word is either from "Stein Krug" (meaning stone jug/mug) or from "Steingut" (meaning stone goods). Steins are mugs used for drinking beer. They can be made of earthenware, pewter, wood, ceramics, crystal, porcelain, creamware, silver, or glass. They have a handle and traditionally have a hinged lid; are decorated and sometimes hand-painted.
Steins may be traditional, regimental, occupational (depicting one's occupation), character (figural), or relief (three-dimensional). They may be new, antiques, reproductions, or limited editions. Steins range in volume from .03 litre (1 oz.) to 32 litre (8.4 gal.), the typical volume being .5 (1/2) litre (16.9 oz.) and often have a theme.
Steins originated in the 14th century. As a result of the bubonic plague and several invasions of flies in Europe, Germany established laws to require beverage containers to be covered for sanitary purposes.
The history of steins includes the development and presentation of steins made with different materials. Many stein-decorating styles and techniques were developed over the centuries, offering further diversity to the stein. Character steins came into their own around 1850. Character steins have a shape designed to represent a person, animal, location and often a relaxed way of life.
Stein Dimensions: 17.5 high x 11 cm diameter (15 cm including handle)
