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TANKARD

Creator(s): Unknown (Silversmith)

On view in: First Floor Library


About this object

The ivory body of the tankard, an unusually large one, is carved with an elaborate bacchanalian scene with many figures. These figures are engaged in revels, and drinking. Among the figures are Apollo, Ariadne, Pan, and Bacchus. Across the upper part are carved putti floating in the air and carrying swags of flowers and with a curtain for the background. The knop on the cover is an ivory group carved in the round of a semi-nude bacchante with Pan kneeling beside her. The handle is carved with a similar scene with several pieces of ivory fitted together. The upper part is the trunk of a tree coming out from the background of the main body of the tankard. From this hangs a putto who reaches down and kisses a half-nude bacchante who is standing on a scroll composed of spray of large leaf-like motifs. The silver mount has scrolls and strapwork and marks in repousse against a stippled background. There are four silver feet with scroll motifs.

Object name:
TANKARD
Made from:
Ivory -- silver
Made in:
Augsburg, Germany
Date made:
late 19th Century
Size:
52.1 cm (20 1/2 in.)

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:
36.4
Class:
IVORY
Signature marks:
MARK on silver: 1) pine cone or tree; 2) 88001; 3) half moon; 4) crown with letters inside
Credit line:
Bequest of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 1973