|
Catalog No. 732
Pottery, figural, 0.5L.
Text:
“Ich bin der Bär von Berlin – vor dem alle Kater entfliehen!”
(I am the bear of Berlin — from whom all tomcats flee.)
The bear was adopted as a heraldic symbol of the City of Berlin in 1709 and has evolved over the years into something of a city mascot.
To fully appreciate the intent of the text, it must be understood that the Kater (tomcat) is both a German symbol and idiomatic expression for a hangover. Similar symbolic meaning is sometimes associated with bears (as in “wrestling with a bear”).
Production of this stein was relatively short-lived, being replaced at model No. 732 after 1890 with a vase depicting St. Hubertus, patron saint of hunters among French and German-speaking peoples of Europe.
See also No. 731.
Price Range: $450-$600
|
