"Bockbier brings all together"

Borho, Zinkl, Thenn

From the collection of Paulo Vik Falcon

German phrase "Eintracht" in German, it means unanimity.

"GEGEN BJER UND TABACK DUNST JST ALLE WEJBERL JST UMSONST" - translated, this phrase means "AGAINST BEER AND TOBACCO SMOKE IS ALL WOMEN IS FREE".

«Trink, was klar ist» - literally translates to "Drink what is clear".

The circular indentation is the G.F. "Fritz" Thenn mark.

"Bockbier brings all together".
This antique German mug was made at the Max Borho / August Zinkl/ G.F. "Fritz" Thenn factory. The company operated between 1874 and 1886. [link]
The mug depicts a story from ancient Germanic myths about how dwarves, in collaboration with other fairy-tale characters, can have fun with music and beer. The drawing is accompanied by three inscriptions, the content of which enhances the meaning of the artwork. The mug is made in the style of historicism. It was the most favorite style for this factory.
A circular recess is applied to the lower part of the mug's handle at the point where it is attached to the body. This was a signature technique used during the period when the factory was under the full control of G.F. "Fritz" Thenn. This was the period from 1877 to 1886.

Now is the time to talk about the content and meaning of the three inscriptions on the mug:

German phrase "Eintracht" in German, it means unanimity. Under this phrase, there is a group of dwarves with musical instruments. On the opposite side of the mug, there is a scene of drinking beer, with a goat (German bock) harnessed to a chariot. The image of the goat (German bock) was used on mugs designed for drinking a special strong dark beer called Bockbier. This beer was known as "spring beer" in Germany. Barrels of Bockbier were opened as a sign of preparation for spring field work. It was considered a shared celebration. Thus, Bockbier truly unites everyone.

"GEGEN BJER UND TABACK DUNST JST ALLE WEJBERL JST UMSONST" - this German phrase is written in old German, a time when the letter "i" could be replaced with the letter "j". Translated, this phrase means "AGAINST BEER AND TOBACCO SMOKE IS ALL WOMEN IS FREE".

"Trink, was klar ist" is a German phrase. Meaning of the Phrase
"Trink, was klar ist" literally translates to "Drink what is clear".
In a broader sense, it can be interpreted as an encouragement to be discerning, to choose wisely, and to value clarity and transparency, much like one would choose a clear drink.
You will often see it combined with "Sprich, was wahr ist" (Speak what is true). Another common pairing is "Lieb, was rar ist" (Love what is rare).
These sayings are found on collectible beer steins and mugs made in Germany.
They reflect traditional wisdom and common proverbs, with some being playfully attributed to Martin Luther.
Martin Luther was a German Christian theologian, a former Augustinian Catholic monk, the initiator of the Reformation, and a leading translator of the Bible into German. He is considered the key founder of Protestantism, and one of its largest branches, Lutheranism, is named after him. He was also a significant contributor to the development of the German literary language.

View the collection of Paulo Vik Falcon

to the homepage

Show items by producer Borho, Zinkl, Thenn