A fine Meissen tankard, with silver-gilt mount, circa 1740

decorated in the centre with an etched gilt bust of an ape, flanked on either side with a cartouche, one enclosing a scene of a castle on a rock at sea with buildings and mountains in the distance beneath the inscription, Der Nahme des Herrn ist ein vestes Schloss, der Gerechte laufft dahin und wird beschirmet, the cartouche on the right enclosing an allegory of Hope, depicting a seascape with a heart and anchor entwined with leaves and resting on a cushion, below the inscription, Die Hoffnung ist ein sicherer Ancker, der auch hinein gehet in das Allerheiligste, all beneath a gilt pedestal supporting five cherubs holding  associated symbols, flanked by indianische Blumen and birds, the spirally moulded silver-gilt cover, possibly German, mid 18th century, inset with a German mid 17th century coin depicting an allegory of Hope within an inscription, the reverse with three allegorical figures and the inscription, ZUCHTIG GERECHT GOTTSELIG and SIE FRAGT NACH GUTEN LEUTHEN WO SIND SIE., crossed swords mark in underglaze-blue,

The property of a Gentleman, Sotheby's London, 4th June, 1996, lot 98;
With Elfriede Langeloh, Cologne;
Sotheby's London, 15th July, 2004, lot 23

Minor wear to the silver-gilt, but overall in very good condition.
"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."

A Meissen chinoiserie tankard mounted with a similar medallion, is illustrated by Hans Syz et al., Catalogue of the Hans Syz Collection, 1979, no. 52.