Property of an Important European Collection
A German silver-gilt mounted coconut cup, probably Nuremberg, circa 1540
Lot Closed
November 13, 01:02 PM GMT
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
Property of an Important European Collection
A German silver-gilt mounted coconut cup, probably Nuremberg, circa 1540
The rim stamped with encouragement to drink, PONTICA HAEX NUX EST NEQUIS FORTE NESCIUS ERRET TER BIBE VEL TOTIENS TERNOS SIC MYSTICA LEX EST VEL TRIA POTANTI VEL TER TRIA MULTIPLICANTIThree straps, on three wheel-like supports, the detachable domed base engraved with hatched strapwork on a reeded ground, unmarked
10cm., 4 in. high
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Most of the Latin inscription (italics) comes from a 4th century poem by Decimus Magnus Ausonius of Bordeaux, titled Griphus Ternarii Numeri, or riddle on the number three and very roughly translates as: Drink three times once or three times multiplied by three, that is the mystic law.