German, probably Cologne, second half 12th century

with three white labels to the reverse numbered: K 490 G, S 22 and 1106 in ink, one inscribed: JULIUS BÖHLER MÜNCHEN

Julius Böhler, Munich;
Ernst Kofler and Marthe Truniger, Lucerne, before 1964

Zurich, Kunsthaus, Sammlung E. und M. Kofler-Truniger, Luzern, 1964, no. 685;
Aachen, Suermondt-Museum, Mittelalterliche Kunst der Sammlung Kofler-Truniger, Luzern, 1965, no. S22

H. Schnitzler, F. Volbach and P. Bloch, Skulpturen. Elfenbein, Perlmutter, Stein, Holz. Europäisches Mittelalter. Sammlung E. und M. Kofler-Truniger, Lucerne/ Stuttgart, 1964, no. 22;
Sammlung E. und M. Kofler-Truniger, Luzern, exhib. cat. Kunsthaus Zürich, Zurich, 1964, p. 73, no. 685;
"Mittelalterliche Kunst der Sammlung Kofler-Truniger, Luzern", Aachener Kunstblätter, vol. 31, 1965, p. 15, no. S22, pl. 92

Overall the condition of the ivory is good. There is wear and some minor dirt to the surface consistent with age and handling. The surface has rubbed smooth in many places consistent with material. There is a minor stable hairline split to the lower edge consistent with material. The polychromy is largely lost.
"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 motif of a man wrestling with biting serpents or lizards was popular in Romanesque art. Another gaming piece with this subject in the National Museum, Copenhagen is illustrated in Goldschmidt (op.cit.). Also note two enamelled copper roundels from early 13th-century Limoges in the Louvre and the Metropolitan Museum of Art which were exhibited in L'Oeuvre de Limoges (op.cit.).

RELATED LITERATURE
A. Goldschmidt, Die Elfenbeinskulpturen aus der romanischen zeit. XI.-XIII. Jahrhundert, Berlin, 1972, p. 49, no. 246; E. Taburet-Delahaye and B. Drake Boehm (eds.), L'Oeuvre de Limoges. Emaux limousins du Moyen Age, exhib cat. Musée du Louvre, Paris and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Paris, 1995, pp. 282-291, nos. 89-93