Fancy a glimpse into Bremen’s artistic soul? Here in the Wallanlagen park, a magnificent marble vase stands. It is the Steinhäuser-Vase. It’s more than just decoration. This Steinhäuser-Vase is a testament to Bremen’s history.
This isn’t just any vase. The Steinhäuser-Vase boasts intricate carvings. Naked and classically draped figures parade across its surface. They lead two festively adorned oxen. This scene depicts Bremen’s Klosterochsenzug tradition. Since 1630, this parade occurred annually during the Freimarkt. Plump oxen marched through town. Soon after, they were raffled off. The proceeds went to the St. Johannes-Kloster hospital.
Carl Steinhäuser, a Bremen native, designed this masterpiece. As an artist in Christian Daniel Rauch’s Berlin studio, Steinhäuser drafted the vase 20 years before its creation. The initial design lacked specific ties to Bremen. It mirrored ancient sacrificial processions from Roman reliefs.
Completed in Rome in 1855, the Steinhäuser-Vase proudly displays Bremen’s coat of arms. It hangs from a pillar. This clearly links the vase to Bremen. Hermann Henrich Meier and other art enthusiasts gifted it to the city. The Senate contributed 500 talers to honor the sculptor. On August 30, 1856, it was inaugurated in its current location. The “Senate Deputation for Public Walks” picked this very spot.
The last Klosterochsenzug took place in 1871. The Steinhäuser-Vase marks the convergence of paths and sightlines. In winter, workers protect the Steinhäuser-Vase from frost damage. They enclose it.
Standing before the Steinhäuser-Vase, imagine the bustling Freimarkt. Picture the garlanded oxen. Envision the charitable spirit of old Bremen. The Steinhäuser-Vase stands as a reminder of Bremen’s traditions. It is a beautiful work of art. It connects us to Bremen’s past. It enriches our present.