Lot 20

A SILVER PLATE

The exceptionally well-crafted, richly decorated bowl was part of a twelve-piece series representing the months of the year, of which the offered plate represents May. The rim is decorated with elaborate vines with flowers and a number of animals from the world of European and exotic hunting wildlife, including dogs, wild boar, deer, elephants, lions, and several beasts. The center depicts a scene of a pair of lovers seated in a landscape and the inscription "Maius" followed by a pair of putti. The unmarked bowl can be located in Hamburg, where analogous pieces were produced in the 17th century, given the quality of its workmanship. Good condition, with slight cracks in places. Literature: Schliemann, Die Goldschmiede Hamburgs, Hamburg,1985. Here, an analogous plate (but without the animals) can be found under image number 117.