Lot number 3119 - Auction 160
ZEREMONIELLES PRUNKSCHILD MIT SCHLACHTENRELIEF*

CEREMONIAL PARADE SHIELD WITH BATTLE RELIEF* German, second half of the 19th century. Ivory, shaped as a shield, featuring relief and high-relief carving; mounted on a velvet-covered frame. H. 91 cm, W. 85 cm; frame 110 x 70 cm. A monumental ceremonial parade shield of ivory, distinguished by exceptional carving quality. Oval parade plaque featuring a multi-figure relief depicting a battle and victory scene, executed in the style of 17th-century models. The center depicts a dynamic combat scene with mounted skirmishes, fallen and fighting soldiers, and numerous horses; the background shows the architecture of a fortified city or fortress. Hovering above the fray is a winged figure with a raised sword-likely an archangel, guardian angel, or an allegorical figure of Victory. The broad, high-relief border features a rich program of military and allegorical imagery. Figures of warriors (or Mars) and female figures representing Victory or allegory appear along the sides, accompanied by weapons, pieces of armor, banners, and other trophies of war. Sweeping ribbons, acanthus leaves, and volute ornaments connect the various groups of figures. A prominent, high-relief lion mask appears in the lower section. The crest features a quartered coat of arms displaying heraldic fleurs-de-lis and lions (or leopards) passant. Above this-or in immediate proximity-is the date "1648," likely referencing the end of the Thirty Years' War and the Peace of Westphalia. Minor damage and shrinkage cracks. Literature: Cf. similar example: Christie's, New York, *500 Years: Decorative Arts Europe*, Auction 2435, April 14-15, 2011, Lot 40. Provenance: Italian private collection. CITES marketing certificate is available. Please note that due to the current CITES regulations for ivory objects, unrestricted trade is only permitted within the European Community. An export license is required for shipment to third countries. Please inform yourself about the current import regulations for ivory in your country. It is currently not possible to export ivory to the USA, Canada or England. This item is not legal to sell in the UK.