A South German turned ivory 'Tour de Force' late 17th century

the stepped cylindrical base of turned ebony demarcated by thin ivory rings beneath a domed ivory foot rising to a thin shaft interspersed with three delicate cage-form elements and one radial florette, centered upon a pierced sphere enclosing an urn form, surmounted by a narrow spire.

Kunsthandlung Julius Böhler, Munich

Several vertical curved elements missing from cage-form knops. Several reglued. Otherwise some restoration to stem. Some small cracks and minor chipping to base. Foliate knop possibly later. Small loss due to shrinkage of lowest ivory band on base. Minor discoloration and variations in color to ivory. Small hairline cracks in sphere. Section above sphere is removable.
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.

Complex tour de force ivory objects, without any plausible utilitarian function, are intended purely as expressions of the turner's skill.  As the treatises on turning which emerged in the 17^th century elucidate, the turner does not endeavor to imitate nature but rather to surpass it – ars naturam superat – and in doing so, expresses his control of the universe through reason.

Forms similar to this elegant example can be seen in the 1719 catalogue of Nicolas Grollier de Servière's turning cabinet (see Maurice 1985, p. 112, no. 123).  See also lot 781 for an example of the basket-forms and lot 768 for a discussion of the pierced contrefait sphere.