Gaudeamus Igitur Salt Glaze Beer Stein

Product Description

This German made stein was originally designed in 1906 by Prof. Richard Riemerschmid, of Munich, Bavaria, a major figure in the German Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) movement. Prof. Riemerschmid was an architect, city planner and artist (painting and designing) and responsible for founding the Jugendstil architectural style of the time.

The text “Gaudeamus Igitur” appears in relief wrapping around the top of this surprisingly large (0.7 liter) but squat (4 5/8″ to top of lid) beer stein.  The Latin phase translates as “So Let Us Rejoice” and was a popular student beer drinking song and commercium song.  Later it became the official song of many academic institutions and is still sung as a graduation hymn today.  It is also the official anthem of the Federation of International University Sports.

The song is typically presented in a formal atmosphere, however it’s lyrics are light-hearted and follow the philosophy of Carpe Diem.

The Jugendstil style is the German equivalent of Art Nouveau. Jugendstil literally translated means “youth or young style” and was named after a Bavarian publication of the time.  The overly ornate styles of the past gave way to this new art style of simple abstraction of the natural world.  Pieces made in this time period are typically formed into non-traditional body shapes and feature pleasing organic designs.

Salt glazing is a unique process and involves adding salt into the kiln during the firing process; thus variations, darkening, glaze coverage or spotting in the finish are normal and make each item one of a kin

• High polished finish, Jugendstil style pewter lid
• Cobalt blue and flamed brown salt glaze finish, relief decoration.
• Height: approx. 4 5/8″ to top of lid, 5.5″ to top of thumblift
• Base Diameter: approx. 4 5/8″
• Volume: 0.7 Liter
• Stamped “Handarbeit Salzglasur” (hand-made, salt glazed) and “Original Prof. Richard Riemerschmid Entwurf 1906” (designed 1906) on the base.

Made in Germany by Girmscheid

Part of the Merkelbach Jugendstil by Girmscheid Series; reproduced using original Merkelbach molds.