Barbotine Tobacco Jar By Bernhard Bloch, King Gambrinus Beer Mug, Late 19th Century

A polychrome earthenware tobacco jar signed BB for Bernhard Bloch* depicting the mythical King Gambrinus** seated on a barrel, holding a beer mug, with his crown and sword resting on his lap, dating from the late 19th century. This jar is in good condition and is very decorative. Signed underneath. Note: two small chips on the rim of the barrel, a crack at the neck (see red arrows), soiling in the bottom of the jar, and signs of age, see photos. * Bernhard BLOCH (1836-1909) 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 works by Bernhard Bloch. ** Gambrinus, 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) in Belgium and Flanders, as well as 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. Diameter: inner pot 10 cm Height: 26.5 cm Depth: with feet 17 cm Reference: 500 959 All photos are available at: www.antiques-delaval.com