APPARENTLY UNMARKED, POSSIBLY GERMAN, CIRCA 1600

細節

A silver and parcel-gilt bezoar stone holder and stone
Apparently unmarked, possibly German, circa 1600
Oval, the openwork body pierced and engraved with scrollwork, one side with two hinged lids, containing a bezoar stone
8.3 cm. long
90 gr. (excluding stone) (2)

注意事項

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拍品專文

The bezoar stone is found as a concretion in the stomachs or intestines of various ruminants, such as antelopes, camels, deer and goats. It used to be thought that the more rare the animal, the greater the power of the bezoar. The name comes from the Persion padzahr, meaning "to expel poison".
From the Middle Ages on, the bezoar stone was believed to protect you from diseases and poisioning. Elizabeth I of England wore rings inset with bezoar stones as did one of her suitors, Eric XIV of Sweden. Napoleon Bonaparte however threw away his stones, and indeed was killed by poison on St. Helena.