Villeroy & Boch Mettlach Schlitt beer jug Designed by Heinrich Schlitt around 1895, signed, dated 1897, impressed mark with addition protected against imitation, embossed model number 2017, additional embossed and brush number, chromolite stoneware, partially glazed, conical body with bulbous foot and small spout, incised and relief decoration all around, caricatured depiction of a king with maid, symbolism and motto "Dein Thron steht fest und ohne Wanken/Auch wenn die Andern alle schwanken/Gambrinus Rex", minimal manufacturing flaws and pewter-framed lid restored, otherwise good condition for its age, h 36 cm.

Composed of several subsidiaries, the Drouot Group is a major player in the art market. Hôtel Drouot, located in the heart of Paris, has been the world's largest public auction center since 1852. 15 salerooms are available to more than 70 auction houses. The emulation generated by an annual offer of 230,000 artworks from 21 major specialities - from Antiquity to street art - attracts some 3,000 visitors every day. The Group's digital platform, Drouot.com, offers digital sales - Live auctions (live broadcasting and participation in auctions), Online-only auctions (dematerialised auctions) and Buy Now sales (sales of lots at fixed prices). Nearly 2 million items are offered annually by 600 auction houses. Auction news is reported every week in La Gazette Drouot, the leading weekly magazine for the art market and culture published by Auctionspress.