Library / Self-PublishedNachrichten. Volkskundemuseum WienAlbums Bierkrugdeckelmedaillons

Porcelain Beer Mug Lid Medallions – A Reflection of Conviviality

Until the early 20th century, beer mugs with porcelain lids were an integral part of tavern culture. Starting in the second half of the 19th century, beer mugs made of colorless glass with pewter mounts came into fashion; their round porcelain inserts—so-called medallions—offered space for personal motifs. These miniatures, decorated with landscapes, hunting scenes, or humorous depictions, were not only decorative but also status symbols. They reflected the preferences, profession, and social status of their owners. The motifs ranged from Alpine landscapes and guild symbols to erotic or satirical scenes, offering insights into the desires and humor of the male regulars of the time. Some of these motifs are problematic because they contain racist or sexist depictions. Such content is appropriately marked with a disclaimer. The collection of the Volkskundemuseum Wien (Austrian Museum of Folk Life and Folk Art) comprises 969 porcelain medallions and two glass ones that were in use in the period before World War I. Today, it offers a unique insight into the culture of beer drinking and the imagination of the 19th century.