Museum number
S385
Object
Covered tankard, German (Augsburg), silver-gilt, about 1610
Description
Tankard and cover. Re-gilt in 19th century. Tapering cylindrical body on domed moulded foot with hinged domed cover. Chased and repouss\'e9. Decoration of strapwork surrounding three panels of classical figures on a matted ground, symbolising Faith, Hope, and Charity or Wisdom, Peace and Plenty; one woman is with a snake and mirror, another with a ewer and cup, and the central figure is with a dove and branch. On the cover a pinnacle and four detached scrolls. The central boss is surmounted by open scrolls supporting a beaded finial, with a scrolled handle modelled as a female terminal figure above a grotesque mask. Thumb-piece is a half length figure of a male torso, the head missing. Laub und bandelwerk (foliage and scroll-work) was a lighter version of 16th century strapwork, popularised by Jean B\'e9rain and Daniel Marot in the 1680's. German sophistication appears in the figures, probably derived from engravings, and in the ornate finial and handle, still mannerist in feeling.
Materials
Silver - Silver-gilt
Inscription
Lion engraving "H6" scratched
On display?
No

Further description

Simple name
Tankard
Dimensions
11.5cm (d) x 22.4cm (h) x 16.4cm (w)
Covered tankard German Silver-gilt, about 1610 S385 Wealthy hosts in the seventeenth century would dazzle and impress their dinner guests with imposing displays of gold, silver and precious things piled up on tiered buffets against the walls. Highly decorated silver objects from the German cities of Nuremberg and Augsburg were particularly prized for their elaborate showiness.

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