Councilor's / Senator's Stein, 2025 Masterpiece

The Senator’s/Councilor’s Beer Stein: A Masterpiece of Traditional Westerwald Ceramic Art

The beer stein pictured here is an exquisitely crafted and intricately detailed masterpiece of traditional Westerwald ceramic artistry. It was originally developed and manufactured by the renowned company Albert Jacob Thewalt.

Detailed Description of the Stein:

Material and Craftsmanship
• Material: The stein is made of Westerwald stoneware, renowned for its robust and durable quality. The lid is crafted from pewter, adding a classic and premium finish to the stein.
• Glaze and Color Scheme: The design features the traditional gray-blue decor, characteristic of Westerwald ceramics.

Design and Ornamentation
• Shape: The stein features an elegant, slightly conical shape that narrows towards the top. The base is particularly distinctive with its octagonal design, giving the stein a unique and recognizable appearance.
• Reliefs: The stein is richly adorned with floral and ornamental relief patterns that cover its entire surface.

• Additionally, it features meticulously designed crests, banners, and inscriptions that give the stein with historical and cultural significance.
• The small, stylized city crests highlight the sphere of influence and activity of the councilors, adding an extra layer of symbolic meaning to the stein.

Special Features of the Motif Design
• The phrase "Halt dich bescheiden – trink mit Freuden" ("Stay humble – drink with joy") is elegantly displayed as a banner running around the stein, harmoniously integrated into its overall design.
• The motifs on the stein are typically designed either to extend from one handle side to the other, encompassing the entire circumference, or to feature a central motif placed opposite the handle.
• For the "Ratsherren-Krug" (Ratsherr = Councilor or Senator), a unique design choice was made: Two equally prominent, self-contained motifs are placed on the sides of the stein. This arrangement ensures that the motifs are visible to both the user and the person sitting opposite while drinking, rather than while toasting.

In addition, parts of the deep relief have been highlighted with additional on-glaze hand-painting. After painting, the stein was fired again at 560° Centigrade.

The Name "Ratsherren-Krug"

The name "Ratsherren-Krug" (Councilor's / Senator's Stein) was chosen because the stein’s design and symbolic elements reflect the values, aesthetics, and responsibilities of a senator/councilor.

1. The Inscription as an Expression of Senator Values
The phrase "Halt dich bescheiden – trink mit Freuden" connects two key virtues historically associated with senators:
• Humility: Despite their significant roles in the community, councilors were expected to act with fairness and humility, always prioritizing the common good. This virtue is captured in the first part of the inscription.
• Joy and Sociability: Senators often played a central role in social life, fostering community bonds and supporting or organizing celebrations and gatherings. The second part of the inscription reflects this tradition of joy and conviviality.

2. Aesthetic and Design Elements
• The dignified and artistic design of the stein symbolizes the formal and ceremonial role of a councilor, who was regarded as a respected figure in the community.
• The crests and ornamental details on the stein can be interpreted as civic or municipal symbols, emphasizing its connection to public life.
• The gray-blue color scheme and intricate relief work underscore the high-quality craftsmanship that aligns with the refined taste expected of a councilor.
• The elaborate underglaze technique lends the stein exceptional durability and intricate detailing, reflecting the permanence and excellence associated with the role of a councilor.

3. A Symbol of Status and Leadership
• Beer steins of this kind were not merely utilitarian items but often served as symbols of status and responsibility. A "Ratsherren-Stein", containing 1.5 Liters and standing more than 16" tall, would have played a central role in council meetings, civic celebrations, or within the councilor’s household, representing leadership and refined taste.
• The pewter lid enhances this impression, as pewter was considered a valuable material that elevated the stein’s status while preserving traditional craftsmanship and heritage.

This stein is an impressive example of the union of traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage. It embodies the values and prestige of councilors and serves as a living piece of history.

King-Werk 2055-B

Content: 1.5 liters

Height: Approx. 16 1/5" (41 cm)