Offered by Étienne de Roissart
Rock crystal tankard, cut and engraved with vegetal scrollwork composed of volutes, stylised foliage and intertwined acanthus leaves.
A finely pierced and chased vermeil mount (800/1000 silver) encircles the base, the neck and the lid. The neck and foot are further enriched with polychrome enamel decoration featuring Antique-inspired motifs and mythological scenes. These enamelled friezes depict deities and allegorical figures draped in the Classical manner, arranged in animated compositions reflecting the iconography of antiquity.
The hinged lid is surmounted by a putto finial, while the sculpted and gracefully curved handle, formed as a figural prow, demonstrates an exceptional level of detail and silversmithing skill.
This piece is a fine example illustrating the high technical mastery achieved by Austrian workshops of the period.
Maker’s mark “R”, unidentified.
