Lot 10. A German silver-gilt cup and cover, Heinrich Jonas, Nuremburg, circa 1593-1602; 32.4cm., 12 3/4 in. high; 367gr., 11oz. 14dwt. Estimate 4,000 — 6,000 GBP. Photo: Sotheby's.

the cover with waisted and girdled pedestal surmounted by a warrior, the body of flaring beaker form, chased with three vignettes depicting a horse, a stag, and a unicorn among fruiting and foliate strapwork, the compressed knopped stem spreading on to an embossed double-domed foot, marked on body, cover and foot.

Note: For a very similar example see Hannelore Muller, The Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection, European Silver, Sothebys's, 1986, no.51. The author comments on designs on the cup as after the Nuremburg engravers, including: Paul Flindt, a master of alternating scrollwork with animal scenes; Jost Amman, whose illustration inspired the chasing of the horse; and Cunrat Gesner, whose woodcut (from history of the animals) is behind the chasing of the stag.

Sotheby's. From Earth to Fire, London, 04 May 2017, 10:30 AM