ATTRIBUTED TO HERMANN RATZERSDORFER, VIENNA, LAST QUARTER 19TH CENTURY

This fine object d'art was fashioned in the style of the Italian Renaissance when precious items including export porcelain and rock crystal were presented with elaborate mounts of precious metal in recognition of their value and importance. The fashion was emulated in the opulent and romantic climate of the 19th century, when designers looked to the great ages of the Renaissance and Baroque for inspiration. The craftsmen of Bohemia, Prague and Vienna have been traditionally associated with the creation of these precious enamel mounted objects. Enamels of the highest quality made in Vienna tend to be the most easily distinguishable, and a number of Viennese makers such as Hermann Ratzersdorfer, Karl Rösser and Hermann Böhm, won medals at various 19th Century International Exhibitions for their productions. Please compare similar rock crystal cornucopia sold Christie's, London, 30 September 2004, lot 137 (£50,190) and Christie's, New York, 20 April 2005, lot 62 ($92,400).