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TANKARD

Creator(s): Unknown (Silversmith)

On view in: First Floor Library


About this object

The ivory is carved all around with an elaborate bear hunt. The bear is caught with his back to a tree on which two bear cubs are climbing. The hounds are attacking. One is barking up a tree while the other one is clasped in the left arm of the bear. There are two others. One is biting the bear and the other dog is jumping to avoid the right paw of the bear. There are two men with spears with one man having fallen down. Another hound comes next in the composition. Finally there are three more men armed with spears, one on his horse and two on foot who are coming up to join in the attack. There are trees of various kinds and a mountainous landscape in the background. The silver mount is probably a replacement done in the 17th century manner and with bear masks incorporated in the leaf designs. It has a baroque handle with the bust of a helmeted warrior and decorated with C-scrolls. On the cover is a seated bear cub carved also in ivory.

Object name:
TANKARD
Made from:
Ivory -- metal
Made in:
FLANDERS
Date made:
19th Century
Size:
36.8 cm (14 1/2 in.)

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:
36.1
Class:
IVORY
Signature marks:
Credit line:
Bequest of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 1973