German Beer Steins

Beer Steins Online

Nearly every stein collector can appreciate an authentic German beer stein (whether it is a traditional stein or an character stein) made by hand using traditional processing methods. Although steins can be easily mass produced today for a fraction of the cost, there is still a market for the handcrafted quality found in a stein produced the old fashioned way. The making of a stein might remind some of the ceramic classes attended by their mothers back in the 1970's. Many of the steps are remarkable similar. Of course, one of the major differences is that the beginning material is raw clay and a pottery wheel. There are no pre-formed shapes for the stein crafter. The crafter relies on years of experience and knowledge of unique techniques and craftsmanship to form a piece of clay into a future drinking vessel.

Once the stein has been shaped, it starts a period of drying. If the end result is to be a carved stein, the carving process will start before the piece is fully hardened. Glaze is used to add color and finish to the steins. Both carving and glaze application is performed by hand. When the decorating phase is complete, the stein goes through a more complete drying process. It will be allowed to dry for several hours because a slow drying process will result in a stronger and sturdier finished product.

Upon completion of the drying process, the steins are placed in a burning oven for hours. Burning has the effect of changing the drab looking clay into a brilliantly shined piece of artwork. It becomes apparent why the color put on the stein is called a glaze once it emerges from the oven. After removing the piece from the oven it is placed in a special cooling room to allow for slow and steady cooling back to room temperature. Care must be taken to take this step slowly to prevent cracking of the material. To finish off the stein, the lid must be formed and this process has remained the same for hundreds of years. The lid of a traditional German beer stein is still poured, formed and mounted to the finished product by hand.

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