The Legacy of Rookwood’s Heritage Mug & Steins
The legacy of Rookwood Pottery runs deep, and while we’re often known for our decorative vases and intricate tiles, we’ve been making beer tankards, mugs, and commemorative steins dating back to 1880, when we first opened our doors.
The Early Commercial Commissions: Beer Tankards and Beyond
One of Rookwood’s earliest commercial commissions came from the Cincinnati Cooperage Company, which ordered beer tankards between 1880 and 1882. Each year featured a new design all crafted from gray clay with a high-gloss interior glaze and a smear glaze exterior. These tankards were distinctly marked with “ROOKWOOD POTTERY. CIN. O.” stamped on the bottom.
Rookwood Amelia Sprague Commercial Club of Cincinnati, 1894 | Photo credit: Artnet
Rediscovering a Piece of History: The Wiedemann Brewery Mug
Fast-forward to 1948, and another significant piece of Rookwood history emerged—the Wiedemann Brewery Mug. Originally crafted for the Newport, Kentucky-based brewery, this mug’s mold was later rediscovered in Rookwood’s archives and reimagined into the Heritage Mug we celebrate today.
Four commemorative brewery steins, two for Wiedemann Brewing Co., 1948 & 1966, two for Falls City Beer, both 1948 | Photo credit: The Stein Auction Company
The Tradition of Commemorative Rookwood Steins Continues
Today, we continue the tradition of crafting custom and commemorative steins and mugs for breweries, beer enthusiasts, and events. Our work celebrates the artistry and heritage of handcrafted pottery while creating pieces that are both functional and meaningful. One example is our recent work for Cincinnati’s Oktoberfest, pictured below.
2024 Oktoberfest Zinzinnati Stein
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The Heritage Mug carries forward Rookwood’s long-standing tradition of handcrafting beer steins and mugs, blending artistry with the everyday.
At the heart of every Rookwood piece is a mark of authenticity—our iconic RP logo. First introduced in 1886 as a simple reversed “R” and “P,” the mark evolved over time, with a small flame added each year until 1900, when it reached 14 flames. This final version became a lasting symbol of Rookwood, signifying not only the passage of time but also our unwavering dedication to craftsmanship and art. Today, this historic emblem graces the Heritage Mug, a piece that honors our past while remaining a timeless companion both for a morning coffee and an evening brew.
The Heritage Mug is more than just a drinking vessel—it’s a piece of history, a tribute to American craftsmanship, and a testament to the legacy of Rookwood Pottery. Whether you’re savoring a morning cup of coffee or raising a toast with a cold beer, you’re holding a tradition that dates back nearly 150 years.
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