Helmet ewer, Milan, early 17th Century. Rock crystal, silver plated; 25.4 x 13.7 x 8.0 cm. V 278. Green Vault © Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden 2013

About the sechspässigen, particularly thin ground out wide body can be symmetrically arranged, precise cut Rankenintagli that produce a dense, extremely lively in the ductus decorative braid. A strong volute forms the handle. The foot is cut in the shape of a seashell. There is no doubt as to the provenance of the vessel Milan. However, since at the tender Rankenintagli a constantly varied and until 1 Quarter of the 18th Century is MAINTAINED motive for Milan rock crystal vessels, the question of dating is difficult to answer. Two, our vessel remotely comparable pitchers in the Prado, which initially valued as works of around 1600 (Angulo Iñiguez 1989), but recently (Arbeteta Mira 2001) designed by the famous Giovanni Battista Metellino in the last quarter of the 17th Century were attributed to illustrate this dating problem. Which belongs to the pot sheath consists of a simulated shape of the vessel, leather covered wooden core. Embossed gold ornaments give the case a very precious appearance. The interior is lined with soft, light red-colored suede. More than 200 works of ivory, small-scale gems and almost all Italian rock crystal vessels of the Green Vault have such exactly fitting sleeves. It is likely that some of them already together with associated rock crystal vessel reached the princely buyers in Dresden. Other sheaths could only be created in Dresden. Leather cases were found to be essential to take valuable pieces of treasure well and securely packed with traveling.