Jug with mythological figures, Johann Michael Maucher (1645-1701), 1680, Schwabisch Gmund. Carved ivory. Height x Width x Depth: 29 x 8 x 13 cm. Ident.Nr. K 3137. Kunstgewerbemuseum © Foto: Kunstgewerbemuseum der Staatlichen Museen zu Berlin - Preußischer Kulturbesitz. Foto Karen Bartsch

The voluptuous figure jewelry from ancient mythology has a deeper meaning: Diana and Actaeon on the shaft relating to hunting; the love goddess Venus on the front of the vessel body, perched on the shoulders of force hero Hercules, the god of war Mars reaches an apple - triumph of love over violence and war. Quality and virtuoso interweaving of character Schmucks create the expressive power of these magnificent jug of Johann Michael Maucher (1645-1701). 
Collectors of the 17th century appreciated warmth, softness, shine and rarity of exotic ivory.Contracting this work was probably Margrave Johann Friedrich von Brandenburg-Ansbach (reg. 1672-1686). The pot and now lost her pelvis came early 19th century in the Berlin Kunstkammer. SN