CIRCA 1795, BLUE SCEPTRE MARK, PRESSNUMMER 17

Details

A Berlin cylindrical teapot and cover
Circa 1795, blue sceptre mark, Pressnummer 17
With tapering spout and square-section angular ear-shaped handle, the sides with oval pink medallions with named stippled grisaille portraits of Hercules and Omphale in profile, the gilt diaper cartouches surrounded by garlands of ivy, the curved shoulder festooned with garlands of vine, the angular domed cover similarly decorated about a knop finial (slight wear to gilt spout, minute wear to gilding)
4 in. (10.3 cm.) high

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

Hercules was enslaved and sold to Omphale, Queen of Lydia, for three years as punishment for murdering his friend Iphitus in a fit of rage. Omphale and Hercules became lovers and during his time with her he became effeminate, dressing in women's clothes. The Queen, however, took on his attributes of a lion's skin and club.

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