MARK OF JOHN EDWARD TERREY AND COMPANY, LONDON, 1823

Silenus was the wine god, Dionysus' companion and mentor. A bon vivant he was usually drunk supported by satyrs or carried by a donkey, and when he was intoxicated Silenus was said to possess special knowledge and the power of prophecy.
This version showing Silenus on a braying donkey takes after a depiction by Marcantonio Raimondi (c. 1480 - c.1534) and was a favourite subject of John Edward Terrey who used it on several version of salvers but also tea service and wine coolers.