Anti-Semitic beer mug. Glass, pewter, and porcelain. [Germany?], circa 1860-1880. Approx. h. 15 cm, width with handle approx. 14.2 cm.

A well-preserved example of the prevalent anti-Semitism in central Europe in the late 19th century. The lid features a porcelain insert depicting a young lady who has removed her mask at a ball, in conversation with a man, evidently a Jew, caricatured with a large nose. The legend reads: "Aber ich bitte, sich jezt auch zu demaskiren," Fräulein belieben zu Scherzen - ich bin ja gar nicht maskirt. ["But I ask you to unmask now, too." "You are choosing to joke, Miss - I am not wearing a mask at all."]

In the Second German Empire, founded in 1871, Jews living within German territory became equal citizens. Especially in the large metropolitan areas, many Jews assimilated into German society. At the same time, however, the first anti-Semitic clubs and associations were formed. The groups produced a plethora of material to "raise the alarm" at the perceived Jewish infiltration of German society. 

[Anti-Semitism, Propaganda, Ceramics, Breweriana] [Jewish History]