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with a medalion representing a gentleman, central body in amber, Koenigsberg, Germany, first half of the 17th Century Cheverny, Rouillac Group. A very strong price for a rare silver-mounted tankard with an engraved amber body. Amber, a fossilized resin of vegetal origin was considered as a precious material in ancient times. Amber was quite rare as it was found mainly in the Balkans, in Russia or Siberia and was therefore much prized centuries ago. This material had properties similar to that of ivory and could be engraved and polished. Its artistic use was developed during the 16thy Century to produce objects, cups, frames, chess boards, caskets, sculptures and vases or to decorate small cabinets. Amber was found mainly in the Baltic region at that time and was used by artists in Dresden or Koenigsberg. Amber pieces usually fetch high prices at auction. |
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