Küsnachter Horn Arnold Heim Mug

Born into a family of remarkable scholars, Arnold Heim carried forward a legacy of intellect and discovery. His father, Albert Heim, was a foundational figure in Alpine geology, and his mother, Marie Heim-Vögtlin, made history as the first Swiss woman to practice medicine. Arnold, born in 1882 as the couple’s first child, grew up in an environment that valued education and resilience. His younger sister Helene followed a few years later, while their second daughter tragically passed away just three weeks after birth. The family later welcomed a foster child, Hanneli, who became an integral part of their household.

Educated at ETH Zurich, Arnold Heim quickly rose to prominence in the field of geology, making significant contributions to the study of tectonic structures, particularly in the Swiss Alps. As a professor at both the University of Zurich and ETH, he became known for his meticulous analysis of Alpine formations and his ability to connect local geological features to global patterns.

The Mug's accompanying image is inspired by a photograph taken in 1902 during a family cycling tour to Küsnacht, where the family visited the Küsnachter Horn. The photograph likely shows Arnold’s sister Helene, their foster child Hanneli, and the paddle steamer Goldbach on Lake Zurich in the background. This snapshot captures not only a personal moment in Heim’s life but also the landscapes that helped shape his appreciation for the natural world.

Later in his career, Heim extended his expertise beyond Europe. His tenure at Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou marked an extraordinary cultural and scientific exchange, where he advanced geological studies in China and explored connections between Alpine and Himalayan tectonics. Heim’s work underscored the universality of Earth’s geological history and the critical importance of international collaboration in science.

For modern audiences, particularly in the U.S., Arnold Heim’s life offers a timeless lesson: science transcends borders, enriching our understanding through shared perspectives. His contributions remind us that the Earth’s story is best understood when pieced together from diverse insights.

Arnold Heim’s legacy lies not only in the geological strata he studied but also in the intellectual and cultural connections he forged. He demonstrated that geology is more than the study of rocks—it is a profound narrative of our shared planet. His life continues to inspire, serving as a testament to the enduring value of global dialogue and discovery.

Product Details

• Material: High-quality ceramic; 10 oz version crafted from premium porcelain.
• Capacity Options: 10 oz (porcelain), 11 oz (standard with colored interior, rim, and handle), 15 oz, 17 oz.
• Care: Dishwasher- and microwave-safe.
• Safety: Lead-free and BPA-free.
• Design: © tazzarte.com – Exclusive artwork integration.

Frontal View

• Author: Arnold Heim (1882–1965)
• Title: "At Küsnachterhorn", "05.01.1902" (Original title "Am Küsnachter Horn" as written on the cardboard from which the reproduction originates)
• Medium: Photograph: Collodion print, mounted on cardboard
• Typography: The script "Esteh" is modeled after the original script on the cardboard.
• ETH Library Zurich, Image Archive
• ©: Creative Commons BY-SA 4.0 / digibooverlag.com