An unusual German drinking cup of rhinoceros horn, possibly by Tillman Schmitz of Breslau late 19th century, in 16th century style

carved in relief with Western allegorical figures such as that of Atlas carrying the Heavens and a figure resembling Hercules, however also carved with various animals including an elephant and a tortoise and a very large bird carrying off an elephant, probably Garuda, mounted in silver gilt applied with figural handle in Renaissance style, circular medallions accommodating agate cameos, the underside of the base inserted with a medallion stipple chased with the arms of Hatzfeldt and flanked by the initials SVH and HZW (for Sebastian von Hatzfeldt, herr zu Wildenberg)

Related Literature:
Erwin Hintze, Karl Masner, ed., Goldschmiedearbeiten Schlesiens, Breslau 1911, pp. 36-37, no. LXV.
Otto von Falke, The Art Collection Eugen Gutmann, Berlin 1912, pp. 48-49, no. 152.
Hannelore Müller, The Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection, European Silver, London 1986, no. 54.

In overall good condition with light rubbing to the mounts, one agate cameo missing. The mounts to upper rim slightly loose. Minor chips to the upper rim. The cup with minor wear and a few restored cracks: two (circa 7 and 10cm. long) dunning down from the upper rim, two related smaller ones and a small restored chip (circa 1 by 1cm.). A rare and attractive piece.
"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."

This unusual cup is a faithful copy of the famous drinking cup formerly in the collection of the Duke of Trachenberg, Prince of Hatzfeldt of the Trachenberg Castle in Silesia that is now preserved in the Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection in Madrid. Family history reports that in any case the copy had been executed as a placeholder to stay in the Hatzfeld collection before the original was sold in the Eugen Gutmann sale in Berlin in 1911 (after which it was sold to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection before 1938).
Mounted by Esaias zur Linden in circa 1610, the carving of the original cup is localised in China during the Ming period. The Breslau goldsmith Tillmann Schmitz (documented active between 1896 and 1926) is recorded to have carried out repair and additions on the original cup in the late 19th century. It is thus quite likely that the present copy was made at the same time and possibly even by Tillman Schmitz.