Lot 164: ATTRIBUTED TO JOHANN GEORG KERN (1622-1698) GERMAN, KOBLENZ, SECOND HALF 17TH CENTURY AND LATER | Tankard with the wise and foolish maidens

with seated putti on the lid, the mounts marked thrice, on the cover, body and foot, for Adolf Zethelius, Stockholm, 1816

21cm., 8¼in.

ivory, with silver-gilt mounts

The sleeve has two splits with remnants of an old restoration on the side opposite the handle. The ivory on the lid has a split to the right of the sheep and a fissure across the putto with the bird, both with old restorations. There are a few minor losses to the ivory, including the attribute in the proper left hand of the putti seated on fruit and the toes of the maiden to the right of the split. The toes of the maiden to the right of the handle are reattached. There are a few minor chips to the edges of the ivory, including just under the kissing putti. Otherwise there is some wear and dirt to the crevices and the overall condition of the ivory is stable. There is some wear and dirt to the silver consistent with age including tarnishing throughout.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Exhibition of Italian Art (documented in the 1986 Christie's cataloguing)

Christie's London, 17 December 1986, lot 79