A Continental Silver-gilt Figural Tazza, probably Moldavian or Transylvanian, mid 17th century

the hexafoil bowl finely chased with six scenes each in lobate cartouche comprising:
Pan and Syrinx
The Story of Io turned into a cow
Mercury with the head of Argus
Phaeton before his father Apollo
Phaeton mounting the chariot of the Sun
The Death of Phaeton
the center embossed in high relief with Argus and Hermes with Io in the background, the stem formed as a rearing horse, shaped oval base chased with lobate strapwork and shells and topped by a frog, the base struck with maker's mark IF device below and an unclear town mark, the bowl with a monogram mark ?IGV

disc below bowl probably later, feet and neck of horse repaired, crack in base rim
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The same monogram mark appears on a parcel-gilt tankard, catalogued as Hungarian, second half seventeenth century, sold Sotheby's, Geneva, 12 November 1990, lot 146.  A similiar monogram mark appears on an ewer and basin with Moldavian armorials, in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, sold Christie's, Geneva, 15 May 1990, lot 218, where that mark was described as a "fouled anchor" and the date was given as circa 1650.