A character stein (also referred to as a figural stein) is a stein with a shape designed to represent an object, person or animal. It is a style category as opposed to a materials category.
Although figural vessels date back to several centuries before the Greeks, true character steins had to await the development of the hinged lid, in the early 1500's. There are stoneware character steins that date from about that period, generally in the form of owls or seated bears, but they are quite rare. One can only speculate as to why there are so few character steins that pre-date the late 1800's. A popular theory is that demand for whimsical, odd shaped vessels did not warrant the manufacturer's attention until the late 1800's. Another theory is that there was too much effort required to produce these "statuettes" before the introduction, in the late 1800's, of molds that could more easily accommodate such shapes, such as slip molds. Some of the character steins that appeared around the 1850's were bisque porcelain pieces that were made by E. Bohne Soehne of the Thuringen region of Germany. This factory, along with others in Plaue, are believed to be responsible for much of the initial manufacture of character steins.
While many character steins are made of porcelain, there are also other important materials. Next to porcelain the most common is stoneware. Pewter and various other kinds of ceramic round out the character stein materials that are occasionally encountered. (From: The Beer Stein Book - a 400 Year History, by Gary Kirsner and Jim Gruhl)
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4317 - 1992 Outhouse lidded stein. This heavy 8 1/8" lidded stein was made in Germany by Gerz. Stoneware stein with raised relief decorations. A whimsical character stein that can be appreciated by anyone who has ever visited this historical establishment. Complete with a "half moon" on the door. Bottom of door shows dropped trousers on top of 2 shoes and a drink, in a mug, left outside. Generic box. (*** ADD $1.00 EXTRA TO REGULAR SHIPPING CHARGE ***)
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6493 - Clown lidded stein. This 9" lidded stein was made in Germany. This is a continuation of the commitment that Werner Corzelius has with themes of the circus, as is evidenced by his previous editions of carousels, big top tent and ferris wheels. This Warner Corzelius hand painted original intricately detailed three dimensional lidded stein features 3 seperate clowns in vivid colors and full make-up, underneath an umbrella. The top of the umbrella is the lid. The handle is in the shape of an umbrella. Individually numbered. Generic box.
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6721 - "Pig" stein. This 5 3/4" lidded stein is made of porcelain and has a deep relief decoration. The entirely hand painted body features a comical pig motif. Stein has a pewter lid with a porcelain insert. A reproduction of an antique stein made from an original mold. Boxed.
$82.00
6722 - "Crocodile" stein. This 5 3/4" lidded stein is made of porcelain ans has a very deep and detailed relief decoration. The stein features a crocodile entirely wrapped around the stein body, with the tail swinging up to form the handle. An illusion is created when the tail seems to pierce up through the body to create the lid ornament. A reproduction of an antique stein made from an original mold. Boxed.
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6723 - "Owl" stein. This 5 1/2" lidded stein is made of porcelain and has deep and very detailed relief decoration. This whimsical owl is complete with great detailing, handpainting and inset eyes. A pewter lid also serves as the base for the porcelain inset owl ears. A reproduction of an antique made from an original mold. Boxed.
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6763 - "Perched Owl" stein. This 7 1/2" lidded stein is a reproduction of an original Ernst Boehne Soehne stein. The original molds were used to form it. The owl's head is seperately cast of porcelain and mounted on a pewter lid. Boxed.
$82.00
6764 - "Lion" stein. This 5" lidded stein is made of porcelain and is entirely hand painted. The symbol of Bavaria was most likely the inspiration of this Ernst Boehne Soehne reproduction stein. The top of the lion's head is seperately cast and is mounted on a pewter lid. Boxed.
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6765 - Corn Cob stein. This 8" lidded stein is made of porcelain and completely hand painted. The stein really resembles a corn cob except for the mischievous smile on the body. The handle is a frowning cob of corn. This is an an antique reproduction, made from an original mold. Boxed.
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