A Rare Cup Commemorating Vytautas The Great
A cup with the image of Vytautas the Great and inscription: "Vytautas the Great /1430-1930" and saucer were made in 1930 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Vytautas the Great.
They were made by CT Altwasser, a German porcelain firm operating in the Silesian region. Carl Tielsch founded the Altwasser factory in 1845. It quickly grew into the second largest porcelain factory in Silesia. After 20 years, the factory employed 1,400 people. The products became known for their high quality and artistic values.
How Did The Idea Of Producing These Souvenirs Come About?
In 1930, Lithuania celebrated the 500th anniversary of the death of Vytautas the Great, one of the most revered figures in Lithuanian history. Vytautas the Great was the Grand Duke of Lithuania from 1392 to 1430 and played a crucial role in the country’s history, including its battles against the Teutonic Knights and its expansion from the Baltic to shores of the Black Sea.
To commemorate this significant anniversary, 1930 was declared the “Year of Vytautas the Great.” Various events and activities were organized throughout the year to honor his legacy. The 3rd Lithuanian Song Festival took place in Kaunas, with 6000 singers participating. In that year, various cultural institutions (Kaunas University, the newly built Museum of Culture, etc.) were named after Vytautas the Great. A monumental „Vytautas the Great War Museum“ was planned to be built in Kaunas.
Various items and souvenirs were produced to mark the occasion. These included medals, coins, stamps, books, publications, art and memorabilia such as our coffee cup.
These souvenirs not only celebrated Vytautas the Great’s legacy but also helped to foster a sense of national pride and identity among Lithuanians. His legacy continues to be celebrated in Lithuania today.
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