Zick Workshop German, Nuremberg, second half 17th century

Brussels, Musée de la Maison d'Erasme, Anatomie des Vanités, 2008

A. Vanautgaerden (ed.), Anatomie des Vanités, exh. cat., Musée Maison d'Erasme, Brussels, 2008, p. 88

Overall the condition of the ivory is very good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is minor stable splitting to the ivory consistent with the material, in particular to under the lid at the centre, where there is also evidence of the natural nerve from the tusk. There is a restored break below the orb on the lid, with composite restorations. There are minor losses to the interior edge of the underside of the lid at the centre where the central section screws into the lid. There is yellowing to the ivory, in particular to the sides of the cup. There are minor darkish dirt residues, in particular to the foot and stem. There are minor abrasions to the foot, which may possibly be the edges of the natural grain. There are a few minor chips and scratches to the underside of the foot.
"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 related turned cup supported by a stem in the form of a Turk, ascribed to the Zick Workshop, is in the Danish Royal Kunstkammer Copenhagen (Gundestrup, op. cit., p. 265, no. 23/89) and two ivory handles for utensils, also in the distinctive form of a Turk, are in the Historisches Museum, Frankfurt am Main (Philippovich, op. cit.,  fig. 370) also by the Zick family. 

Turning was considered a noble hobby, and many gentlemen and kings worked lathes as a leisure activity. Lorenz Zick, the son of the turner Peter Zick, and grandson of the turner Martin Zick, was the most accomplished of the three brothers who all took up the family craft.  He was called to Vienna in 1642-4 to instruct Emperor Ferdinand III and was appointed Kammerdrechsler of the imperial court. Peter Zick was the teacher of Emperor Rudolph II in Prague. 

Concentric spheres with turned rays issuing from the circular apertures on the outer form, like the ones seen on the finial on this cup, were some of the most challenging and highly praised feats of the virtuoso turner.

RELATED LITERATURE
K. Maurice, Sovereigns as Turners, Zurich, 1985; E. v. Philippovich, Elfenbein, Munich, 1982, p. 420, fig. 370 and p. 426, fig. 378; B. Gundestrup, Det kongelige danske kunstkammer 1737, Copenhagen, 1991, pp. 261-262, DKK 23.89