Limited edition 2025 “Ratsherren jug”

Ratsherrren jug 1.5 liters – annual limit 2025

The beer mug shown here is an artistically crafted and detailed masterpiece of traditional Westerwald ceramic art, developed and produced by the renowned Albert Jacob Thewalt company.

Detailed description of the jug:

Material and finish
– Material: The jug is made of Westerwald stoneware, which is known for its robust and durable quality. The lid is made of pewter and gives the jug a classic and high-quality finish.
– Glaze and color scheme: The color scheme is based on the traditional grey-blue decor that is typical of Westerwald ceramics.

Design and decoration
– Shape: The jug has an elegant, slightly conical shape that becomes narrower towards the top. The foot is particularly striking and has an octagonal base, giving the jug an unmistakable appearance.

– Reliefs:

• The jug is richly decorated with floral and ornamental relief patterns that extend over the entire surface.
• There are also artfully designed coats of arms, banners and sayings that lend the jug historical and cultural significance.
• The small stylized city coats of arms refer to the area of activity of the councillors and lend the jug additional symbolic power.

Special features of the motif design

• The text “Be modest – drink with joy” is displayed as a banner that runs around the jug. This placement ensures that the slogan is harmoniously integrated into the design.
• Usually, the motifs on the jug are either designed so that they extend from one side of the handle to the other, thus taking up the entire jug, or there is a main motif that is placed opposite the handle.
• A special design decision was made for the Ratsherren jug: Two equal, dominant and self-contained motifs adorn the sides of the tankard. This arrangement ensures that the motifs are visible to the user and the person opposite when drinking, but not when toasting.

The name “Ratsherren-Krug”
The name “Ratsherren-Krug” was chosen because the jug reflects the values, aesthetics and responsibility of an alderman in its design and symbolic statement.

1. saying as an expression of councillor virtues
The text “Halt dich bescheiden – trink mit Freuden” combines two central virtues that were attributed to a councillor:
– Modesty: Despite his important position in the community, a councillor should act humbly and justly, always in the interests of the community. This quality is reflected in the first part of the saying.
– Joy and conviviality: Aldermen often played a central role in social life. They helped to strengthen the community and organized or supported celebrations and events. The second part of the saying expresses this tradition of conviviality and joy.

2. aesthetics and design
– The dignified and ornate design of the jug symbolizes the formal and ceremonial role of an alderman, who was considered a respected figure in the community.
– The coats of arms and ornaments on the jug can be interpreted as civic or municipal symbols that emphasize his affiliation with public life.
– The grey-blue coloring and the filigree relief decorations indicate the high-quality craftsmanship, which corresponds to the sophisticated taste of an alderman.
– The elaborate underglaze technique gives the jug a special quality. This technique, which is known for its durability and fine details, reflects the sophistication and durability associated with the role of alderman.

3. a symbol of status and leadership
– Beer steins of this type were not just utilitarian objects, but often also symbols of status and responsibility. An “alderman’s tankard” would have played a central role at council meetings, civic celebrations or in an alderman’s household, representing leadership and taste.
– The pewter lid reinforces this impression, as pewter is a valuable material that adds value to the jug and stands for the continuation of local customs and time-honored traditions.

This jug is an impressive example of the combination of traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage. It symbolizes the values and prestige of the aldermen and is a piece of living history.

Capacity: 1.5 liters
Height: Approx. 41 cm