Barbotine tobacco jar by Bernhard Bloch, King Gambrinus beer mug, late 19th century
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Polychrome barbotine tobacco jar signed BB for Bernhard Bloch* representing the mythical king Gambrinus** seated on a barrel and holding a beer mug in his hand, his crown and sword resting on his knees, from the late 19th century.
This pot is in good condition and is very decorative. Signed underneath.
Note: two small chips on the edge of the barrel, crack at the neck (see red arrows), soiling in the bottom of the pot, wear and tear from age, see photos.
A contemporary of Goldscheider, Bernhard Bloch was one of the greatest Jugendstil ceramicists in Austria-Hungary. His highly prized Orientalist works made him a leading figure in this movement. His workshop participated in numerous exhibitions and received awards each time, including a gold medal at the St. Louis World's Fair. The Téplice Regional Museum houses a significant collection of Bernhard Bloch's work.
The mythical king of Flanders and Brabant is a symbol for beer lovers. He represents the good humor and joie de vivre typical of zythophiles (beer enthusiasts), not only in Belgium and Flanders, but also elsewhere in Europe. In several countries, there is a long tradition of folklore with poems about King Gambrinus/Gambrivius and beer. The German poet Burkard Waldis mentions a certain Gambrivius who supposedly learned the art of brewing from the goddess Isis, a symbol of fertility.