A Rare German Gilt Brass Spice Box or Powder Container with Cast and Engraved Relief Decoration
A Rare German Gilt Brass Spice Box or Powder Container with Cast and Engraved Relief Decoration
Augsburg South Germany
Last quarter of 16th Century
Size: 18.5cm high, 5cm wide, 5cm deep - 7¼ ins high, 2 ins wide, 2 ins deep
Augsburg South Germany
Last quarter of 16th Century
Size: 18.5cm high, 5cm wide, 5cm deep - 7¼ ins high, 2 ins wide, 2 ins deep
A Rare German Gilt Brass Spice Box or Powder Container with Cast and Engraved Relief Decoration
Augsburg South Germany
Last quarter of 16th Century
Size: 18.5cm high, 5cm wide, 5cm deep - 7¼ ins high, 2 ins wide, 2 ins deep
Augsburg South Germany
Last quarter of 16th Century
Size: 18.5cm high, 5cm wide, 5cm deep - 7¼ ins high, 2 ins wide, 2 ins deep
The superb quality and craftsmanship of this very unusual container suggests the ownership and possible commission was made by a high ranking military official or aristocratic family. The purpose is not fully known; however it has been suggested that of either gun powder or spice. The container with three separate covered compartments, the cast relief decoration depicting reclining figures and heads of putti amongst scroll-work. On one end, a portrait medallion showing a lady surrounded by a foliage wreath. The underside of the container with fine floral engraving depicting medallions with birds. The container with three loop handles (one missing) for attaching a cord for carrying. One of the ends pointed with a square opening, possibly for technical use, an integral key for turning or tightening ?
A member of the Ritter von Gutmann Family
Thence by descent
Sold at Kunsthaus Lempertz Cologne Auction no. 928, 23 November 2008, lot 1042
Thence by descent
Sold at Kunsthaus Lempertz Cologne Auction no. 928, 23 November 2008, lot 1042
A Rare German Gilt Brass Spice Box or Powder Container with Cast and Engraved Relief Decoration
