Probably German, 11th century style

inscribed in pen to the reverse: Eigenthum Ihrer Königlichen Hoheit der Frau Grossherzogin Luise von Baden and with four old paper labels respectively inscribed in pen: 2490.; ge. H. P... ; 136, and: Eigenthum Ihrer Königlichen Hoheit der Frau Grossherzogin Luise von Baden

Grand Duchess Luise von Baden, Karlsruhe, transferred from the Grand Ducal Court Library to the Grand Ducal Art Gallery, 4 July 1850;
given by I.K.H. the Grand Duchess Luise von Baden to Grand Duke Frederick I, 16 June 1859;
transferred to the Residenzschloss Karlsruhe and integrated into the private collection of Grand Duke Frederick I, 1879;
Grand Duke Frederick I, Zähringer Museum, Neues Schloss, Baden-Baden, by 1883;
and thence by descent;
sold Sotheby's, Baden-Baden, Die Sammlung der Markgrafen und Grossherzöge von Baden, 5 October 1995, lot 256

Frommel, Inventarium über die in dem Atelier des Galleriedirectors Frommel befindliche Elfenbein Sammlung..., inv. Großh. Kunsthalle Carlsuhe, Karlsruhe, 1854-1858, no. 137;
K. Koelitz, Beschreibendes Inventar der Allerhöchsten Privatsammlung kunstgewerblicher Gegenstände..., inv. Zähringer Museum, Neues Schloss, Baden-Baden, 1883, no. 2490;
Richter, Inventar des Zähringer Museums..., inv. Zähringer Museum, Neues Schloss, Baden-Baden, 1919, no. 136;
M. H. Longurst, Victoria and Albert Museum. Catalogue of Carvings in Ivory, vol. ii, London, 1929, pp. 126-7

Overall the condtion of the ivory is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age and handling. There is some rubbing to the tops of the relief. There are two, probably original, mount holes to the sides, one of which is open. There are four further small holes to the top and three to the bottom, which are also probably original.
"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."

The present relief is carved after the original, formerly in the Oettingen-Wallerstein collection and later offered for sale at Sotheby's New York on 29th January 1999, lot 21. A number of further copies exist, including those at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (Inv. no. 426-1884) and at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. The copies can be identified by the presence of the Eagle of St John in the lower left corner, whereas the Lion of St Mark is to be found in the original.