A rare early 17th century Saxony gilt copper mounted serpent...

Estimate

£2,000 - £3,000

A rare early 17th century Saxony gilt copper mounted serpentine tankard, c.1600, the tapered smooth banded body with gilt copper mounts with snipped leaf shaped edges with engraved detail, including a central band, the lid opening with thumbpiece and the handle with engraved chevron pattern, 20.5cm high including finial

The use of Saxon serpentine has been documented since the late 15th century. Across Europe, serpentine was one of the most sought after natural resources. By the 1630s in England the tankard was no longer in fashion in court circles because its use was widespread throughout society.

A comparable serpentine tankard with a gold-plated silver mount can be found in the Green Vault of the Staatl. Art collections in Dresden (inv. no. V 392); and in the V&A accession number M.92-1914

Literature: Eva Maria Hoyer, Sächsischer Serpentin, Leipzig 1995