Cylindrical earthenware with light blue glazing and darker blue decoration. The handle is decorated in a blue herringbone pattern. The blue flowing or cursive "K" on the bottom is often attributed to Georg Friedrich Kordenbusch or his workshop, which was active in Nürnberg from approximately 1741 to 1763. The stein holds approximately 1 liter.
Biblical scenes or personas in darker blue on a light blue glazed background were commonly produced in the Nürnberg factory, especially during the Kordenbusch period.
The stein is straight-sided with no indention at the top rim and a flair at the base where a pewter foot ring has been attached (which are identifiers of southern German manufacture). The large closed 5 ring hinge and hollow ball thumb lift are appropriate for the time period. The lid is personalized "B. M." and dated 1752.
The subject depicted on the stein appears to be Saint Barbara who was born in the mid-third century in either Heliopolis (Roman Phoenicia) or Nicomedia, Bithynia. She was the daughter of a rich Pagan father, Dioscorus, who was very protective of her and had plans to marry her off to a Persian prince. Saint Barbara converted to Christianity at the age of 16 and, when her father found out, he imprisoned her in a tower. When she would not renounce Christianity, she was condemned to death and beheaded by her father.
Saint Barbara is often depicted holding a tower in one hand which refers to her place of imprisonment, and a palm frond in the other hand which is a primary Christian symbol of martyrdom. The crown and halo signify her royal lineage and status as a saint.
View the collection of Andrew Ives
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