A German ivory presentation vase and cover, Heinrich Rampendahl, 1865

of urn form, designed by Louis Asher after the model by Giovanni Piranesi, elaborately carved with two portrait medallions flanked by putti among vine leaves, snake handles, the base with presentation inscription and date Herrn Carl Heine in Dankbarer Anerkennung Für Die Hochherzge Spende Zur Erhaltung des Betti Heine Krankenhauses von Israelitischen Frauen Hamburg Septr MDCCCLXV, the neck rim signed H. F. C. Rampendhal F^ec., L. Asher D^el., the finial as an Allegory of the town of Hamburg

some cracks overall, finial has been broken and re-attached, restored also at her back. very fine carving.
"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."

The presentation inscription reads “From Mr Carl Heine as a sign of gratitude for the generous donation to preserve the Betti Heine Hospital to the Hamburg Jewish Women - Hamburg September 1865”.

Carl Heine (1810-1865) was a lawyer in Leipzig, a major entrepreneur and industrial pioneer who transformed the western suburbs of Leipzig. The Betti Heine hospital was founded in 1839 by Carl's uncle Heinrich Heine, a Hamburg banker and merchant, and named after Carl's mother. The purpose of the hospital was to treat Jewish people but also welcomed other patients regardless of origin, nationality or religion, an unual fact in the history of Hamburg. In 1864, the hospital was in difficult financial situation but saved thanks to Carl's generous donation which allowed to cover the running costs of the institution. The hospital is still functionning and called the Israelite Hospital, a leading clinic for gastric and bowel cancer.

Heinrich Friedrich Christoph Rampendahl (1822 - 1891) was a Hamburger ivory carver and sculptor. He was most celebrated for his antler furniture for which he was awarded at the London Industrial Exhibition in 1851 and at the World Exhibition in 1862. Some are now at the Victoria and Albert Museum (number W.2-1970 and W.4-1970). A magnificent ivory and horn cup and cover was presented at the 1862 International Exhibition and was sold Sotheby's Belgravia, 11 December 1975, lot 73.

Louis Asher, originally Julius Ludwig Asher, (1804–1878) was a German artist who was born and lived in Hamburg at the exception of a few years in Düsseldorf and Italy. This is probably where he encountered the work of Giovanni Piranesi (1720-1778) after which the design of this vase is from.