A GERMAN PARCEL-GILT NEF, BY HANS GEORG KRAUER DER AELTERE, LUCERNE, CIRCA 1660 | A German parcel-gilt nef, by Hans Georg Krauer der Aeltere, Lucerne, circa 1660

on an oval base with shells, the stem shaped as a woman supporting the body shaped as a ship's hull with embossed fruits, the rear deck with a woman's figure on a winged ball holding a sail

Private swiss collection

Some scratches to the surface and minor dents in places. Marked on footrim. Rare mark. In overall good condition. Very nice quality, good size.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's. For that reason, Sotheby's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot.

This nef model was developed throughout the 17th century in Nuremberg, but also in other cities such as Augsburg and Lucerne. These coupes demonstrate the diversity of shapes for these types of vessel particularly appreciated as a drinking game. During family celebrations or other events it was possible to serve refreshments from this type of nef. For similar models consult the publications: Et al., Trésors de l'orfèvrerie allemande du XVIe siècle, collection Rudolf-August Oetker, exh. cat, Fondation Bemberg, 2016, pp.100-101 ; et Et al., Magie de l'orfèvrerie, faste et élégance, cinq siècles d'orfèvrerie européenne dans les collections privées, volume II, exh. cat., Editions de l'Amateur, 2011, pp.130-131.