APPARENTLY UNMARKED, POLAND OR RUSSIA (MOSCOW), CIRCA 1670-80

Details

A PARCEL-GILT SILVER AND NIELLO TWO-HANDLED BOWL
APPARENTLY UNMARKED, POLAND OR RUSSIA (MOSCOW), CIRCA 1670-80
Of lobed hexafoil form, the sides engraved with gilt flowers on a niello foliate ground, the base set with a commemorative medal depicting John III Sobieski of Poland, with cast foliate handles
5 1/4 in. (13.5 cm.) long over handles
gross weight 14 oz. 3 dwt. (130 gr.)

Literature

A comparable medallion is illustrated E. Raczynski, Le Le Médailler de Pologne Ou Collection Des Médailles, Berlin, 1845, vol. II, p. 259, no. 185.

Special notice

These lots have been imported from outside the EU for sale using a Temporary Import regime. Import VAT is payable (at 5%) on the Hammer price. VAT is also payable (at 20%) on the buyer’s Premium on a VAT inclusive basis. When a buyer of such a lot has registered an EU address but wishes to export the lot or complete the import into another EU country, he must advise Christie's immediately after the auction.

Brought to you by

Harriet Bingham

hbingham@christies.com +44 (0)20 7389 2035

Lot Essay

John III Sobieski, King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania (r.1674-1696) married Marie Casimire Louise de la Grange d'Arquien in 1665. Before ascending the throne, he distinguished himself in numerous military campaigns and as an elected official. The medal set into the base of the present lot celebrates his victory over the Ottomans in the Battle of Chochim on 11 November 1673. Michael I, King of Poland died the same day. The auspicious timing of the victory lead to John III's election as monarch and his coronation in 1674.

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