German, late 17th/ early 18th century

Overall the condition of the ivory is very good. There is some minor wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There is some very minor splitting visible on the surface consistent with material. There are a few minor chips to the edge of the cup and some of the elements in the stem. The gilding of some of the elements is slightly worn. Some of the parts on the stem are slightly loose.
"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."

These two intricately turned ivory cups (see also lot 100) are excellent examples of a noble tradition in European art.  The turner's lathe captured the imagination of the aristocracy from the late Renaissance through to the 18th century. The remarkable manipulations of the ivory represented man's conquest over nature.  The more complicated the turned ivory object was, the greater the fascination became for both sculptor and collector.  In the 17th century the turning of such ivories became a favourite pastime of princes, who would employ master turners as their teachers.  By the 18th century the popularity of the craft had spread and many of Europe's aristocrats were using newly published manuals (such as the ones by Plumer from 1701 and Bergeron from 1796) for instruction and inspiration. For a cup turned in a similar style see lot 287 from Sotheby's Die Sammlung der Margrafen von Baden sale on 5-21 October 1995.

RELATED LITERATURE
O. Beigbeder, Ivory, London, 1965, p. 110; H. Bredekamp, La nostalgie de l'antique. Statues, machines et cabinets de curiosités, Paris, 1996; G. Laue, Gedrehte kostbarkeiten, Munich, 2004; K. Maurice, Der Drechselnde Souveran, Zurich, 1985; E. Tartaglia, Les ivoires tournés. MS Université Paris I, Paris, 2005