Lot number 601 - Auction 150
SELTENER BAROCK-BECHER MIT GRAVIERTEN MOHN-BLÜTEN UND BLUMEN

A RARE BAROQUE SILVER BEAKER WITH ENGRAVED POPPY BLOSSOMS AND FLOWERS Merseburg, circa 1675 Silver, raised and engraved, parcel-gilt interior. Height 7.8 cm, weight 75 g. Marked on the underside with an assay mark (halved escutcheon) and master's mark 'CB'. This beaker with engraved floral decoration is a fine example from the second half of the 17th century, a period in which botanical motifs became a preferred form of ornamentation in the decorative arts. Tulips in particular were frequently depicted and, during the era of tulipomania in the Netherlands, came to symbolize beauty and exoticism. Their value soared to extraordinary heights, turning them into coveted luxury items-tulip bulbs were, quite literally, weighed against gold.