Beer steins have their roots in the artisanry of ancient pottery, but probably began to reach their perfection in the Middle Ages. Beer stein is a German word, of course, meaning "stone" and when truly done right, beer steins are made of stone
It is suspected that Germans began to cover their beers in the 15th century, during the time of the infestation of bugs and mosquitoes which carried the Plague. Most of these early covered beer jars were made of potter’s earthenware.
Today, if you are at an Oktoberfest celebration, or you just want to drink beer the proper way, you and your friends will use German beer steins. Colorfully decorated beer steins make for excellent collector’s items as well as great conversation pieces. Beware, though, that many antique beer steins used lead glazes, so these are really not safe to drink out of.
You can find beer steins decorated with emblems or various Bavarian motifs. Beer steins that are not lead glazed or that are made with safe materials such as ceramics or true stone ought to be just fine for use, although of course, you will want to keep these in excellent condition.
