A façon de Venise enamelled and gilt armorial tazza perhaps Bohemia, dated 1599

the shallow dish gilt with monogram initials AC within a heart-shaped crowned cartouche flanked by the date 1599 below the inscription C IIII Z.D.V.N.K.R.F.P. within a lozenge and enamel dot border, set on a hollow ovoid stem moulded with two lion's masks between gadrooning, above a wide folded conical foot

The Property of a Belgian Noble family, Christie's London, 26th May 1982, lot 227
Fritz and Mary Biemann Collection, Zurich

Losses to the gilding of the two bands running around the rim of the tazza, as well as to some parts of the crown below the inscription, very little loss to the enamel dots, loss to the gilding of the stem and parts of the foot, some rubbing to the enamel of the foot, otherwise in generally good condition.
"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."

See R.Rückert, Die Glassamlung des Bayerischen Nationalmuseums München, Vol 1, pl.42, no.164 and p.95, for a very similar tazza, also dated 1599 and bearing the initials for Johann Adolph Herzog zu Schleswig und Holstein.

For another tazza of similar form and construction, from the Umeleckoprumyslové Museum, Prague, see A.von Saldern, German Enameled Glass, p.93, fig.122, , dated 1590.