{"title":"10.26 17th Century Treasures","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"chinese-blue-white-floral-teacup","title":"Chinese Blue \u0026 White Floral Teacup","description":"Displaying exceptional craftsmanship and intricate hand painted decoration, this blue and white porcelain teacup represents the height of Chinese porcelain artistry. The Chinese porcelain industry flourished during the 16th and 17th centuries, and masterfully crafted blue and white porcelain ware such as this was particularly favored among elite patrons worldwide. Highly prized in Europe and America through the 18th century, Chinese blue and white porcelain would eventually inspire the famed Meissen porcelain factory in Germany, whose craftsmen sought to mimic these ancient techniques and styles.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCirca 17th century\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n1 1\/2” high x 2 1\/2” diameter","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41237922906247,"sku":"30-3474","price":1500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/30-3474_1.png?v=1717921308"},{"product_id":"17th-century-italian-carved-marble-plaques","title":"17th-Century Italian Carved Marble Plaques","description":"Incredibly well-preserved and stunning in their execution, this pair of marble plaques depict St. Jerome and Mary Magdalene. Hard-carved in Italy in the mid-17th century, these pieces epitomize the dramatic forms that took shape during the Baroque Period. Unlike the preceding Renaissance Period, which prized perfection of form above all else, the Baroque Period heralded in an era of theatricality in art. These figures, in their slightly twisted, dramatic poses, exude that sense of dynamic movement that was so prized.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nEach depicted with skulls and crosses, these images of St. Jerome and Mary Magdalene suggest a dramatic moment of repentance and prayer. The expressive, beautifully detailed images form a wonderfully emotional and spiritual image that is typical of the period.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBeautifully crafted, this pair is a true rarity. Not only are decorative works from this period increasingly difficult to find on the market, they are also exceptionally scarce due to their frailty.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nItalian, Circa 1670\u003cbr\u003e\n12\" high x 14\" wide x 2 1\/2\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42215160316039,"sku":"30-2084","price":38500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/30-2084_1_7d15ef84-bc9d-4b53-b2f2-6381f6763f98.png?v=1736115784"},{"product_id":"buschman-minerva-german-horizontal-table-clock","title":"Buschman Minerva German Horizontal Table Clock","description":"The extraordinary beauty and superior craftsmanship of 17th-century German clockmaking is on full display in this exceptionally rare horizontal tabletop timepiece dating to 1650 Augsburg. Created by Johannes Buschman the Younger, the eminent Buschman family of clockmakers are lauded for designing some of the finest timepieces to ever be created in the South German town of Augsburg during the late Renaissance and early Modern periods. A finely moulded ebony and turtleshell casing veneered in a mottled red hue holds the clock’s fusée and chain movement with verge escapement and balance with hogs-bristle regulation. A silver figure of Minerva, Roman goddess of war and wisdom, centers the Roman numeral-engraved chapter ring, indicating the time by pointing to the hour with an authoritative military staff as the sun rotates below her feet to indicate the minute. The incredible design is finished by a gilded backplate intricately pierced and engraved with a floral motif and the signature of Johannes Buschman. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Clocks are one of the greatest and most important inventions of the Renaissance period, improving steadily into the Age of Discovery. Embodying a renewed interest in science, the arts and humanism, the first mechanical timepieces began appearing in the 14th century and were large, weight-driven devices placed in the turrets of public buildings that struck the hour and lacked hands and faces. This clock was created during the first period of household clocks, when spring-driven movements made it possible to create smaller and more complex mechanisms. Such creations, however, were a luxury accessible only to the wealthy upper classes. Affluent patrons placed pressure upon artisans to create more elaborate and ornate clocks, of which this particular timepiece can be counted. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e German table clocks dating to the mid 17th century similar to this spectacular piece can be found in the collections of London's British Museum, as well as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Frick Collection in New York. Buschman timepieces are hotly desired by collectors and connoisseurs alike and are highly sought-after at Sotheby's and Christie's auctions. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1650, Augsburg, Germany \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Gilded backplate engraved with signature, “Johannes Buschman, Aug:” \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 5 5\/8\" wide x 5 5\/8\" deep x 5\" high  \n","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41540602134663,"sku":"30-9704","price":34500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/30-9704_1_c314926f-a0a0-46a2-b3f6-2cad2ce202d6.png?v=1783630820"},{"product_id":"grand-ducal-pietre-dure-console-tables","title":"Grand Ducal Pietre Dure Console Tables","description":"Among the most beautiful examples of hardstone artistry ever to enter our collection, these important Grand Ducal pietre dure console tables possess exceptional architectural presence, scale and rarity. Their monumental Florentine tops and elaborately carved Venetian bases distinguish them as two of the finest hardstone masterpieces of their kind and quite possibly the greatest pair of pietre dure tables in existence. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Naturalistically rendered flowers and birds reveal the exceptional craftsmanship of Florence’s Grand Ducal Workshops during the first half of the 17th century. Grand Duke Ferdinando I de’ Medici established the workshops in 1588 to advance the art of pietre dure, a technique derived from the ancient Roman practice of \u003cem\u003eopus sectile\u003c\/em\u003e in which precisely cut stones are fitted together to form intricate images. Patronized by Europe’s popes and royal families, the workshops produced hardstone objects of unrivaled refinement. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Because pietre dure demands extraordinary precision and labor, most surviving plaques are only a fraction of the size of these monumental tabletops. Their extensive use of precious and unusual stones, including lapis lazuli and pietra paesina, or “ruin marble,” further indicates that they were created for a patron of exceptional wealth and status. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The tables are further distinguished by their superbly carved bases by Andrea Brustolon, the celebrated Venetian sculptor known as the “Michelangelo of wood.” Brustolon’s exuberant Baroque furniture reflects the influence of his years in Rome, where he encountered the sculpture of Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Crafted in the early 18th century, these bases demonstrate his command of both figural and foliate carving, uniting putti, masks and monumental scrolling vines in a richly sculptural composition. Important works by Brustolon are held by the Victoria and Albert Museum, National Museums Scotland and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, while Venice’s Ca’ Rezzonico preserves an entire room devoted to his furniture. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e For approximately 250 years, the tables formed part of the celebrated collection at Stoneleigh Abbey, the ancestral seat of the Leigh family. The Warwickshire estate, which Jane Austen visited in 1806, is associated with the country-house setting of \u003cem\u003eMansfield Park\u003c\/em\u003e. Lord Leigh sold the tables at Christie’s London in 1962, when they were acquired by a Florentine family in whose collection they remained until their recent acquisition by M.S. Rau. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The tables are prominently illustrated in Saul Levy’s authoritative volume \u003cem\u003eIl Mobile Veneziano del Settecento\u003c\/em\u003e. The pietre dure tops date to circa 1625–1650 and were likely first displayed on comparatively restrained stone supports. Lord Leigh is believed to have commissioned Brustolon to create the present bases circa 1714, when Stoneleigh Abbey’s imposing four-story, 15-bay Baroque west wing was added. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Comparable Grand Ducal tabletops are preserved in the collections of the National Trust and Buckingham Palace. The floral and avian panels on the present examples also relate closely to those adorning the celebrated Badminton Cabinet, another masterpiece of the Grand Ducal Workshops. The cabinet established a world auction record for furniture when it sold for $16.59 million in 1990 and surpassed its own record in 2004 with a price of approximately $36 million. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The union of monumental Florentine pietre dure panels, masterfully carved bases by Andrea Brustolon and an unbroken association with one of England’s great titled estates places this pair in a class of its own. Few surviving works combine hardstone artistry and Baroque wood carving on this scale, with such distinguished authorship and provenance. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Pietre dure tops: circa 1625-1650\u003cbr\u003e Bases: circa 1714 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Each table 61 1\/4\" wide x 39\" deep x 36\" high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43672926027911,"sku":"31-5217","price":3450000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-5217_1_514c15a5-ff28-4245-85c9-0ad6a1e94ffd.png?v=1789154487"},{"product_id":"complex-italian-baroque-safe","title":"Complex Italian Baroque Safe","description":"Italian Hobnail Safe\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1630 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This rare Italian Baroque safe is crafted from reinforced wrought iron and is designed to be not only indestructible but also impenetrable without the proper keys and expertise. Intended to secure one's most precious valuables, the fascinating double-door structure is enveloped in thick iron strapwork that surrounds its massive frame. Few hobnail safes of this quality, complexity and age exist today, making this example incredibly rare and important. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The defining feature of large Baroque safes of this caliber is a complicated locking mechanism, and this example is fitted with an exceptionally well-engineered five-way locking system. As an added security measure, one must know the precise way in which to manipulate not one, but five unique iron keys, all of which have hidden keyholes that can only be revealed with the help of the accompanying lock pick. This safe's keys are of particular interest, with tips crafted in charming shapes that evoke playing card suits. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Once inside, the safe provides ample storage for one's money and other valuables. It was most likely used by merchants and business owners of the period in lieu of banks, and its five unique keys would have required each business partner to be present to open the safe, thus keeping all parties honest.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 76\" high x 45\" wide x 23\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43704603377799,"sku":"31-5379","price":128500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-5379_1_42ac194f-97f9-40ce-93ee-a898d3ace8c5.png?v=1769786480"},{"product_id":"william-and-mary-oysterwood-chest-1","title":"William and Mary Oysterwood Chest","description":"This William and Mary-period chest is distinguished by oyster veneering and circular inlay. Intersecting circles are inlaid into the veneers on the drawer fronts and on top of the chest, and the veneers have aged to a rich and warm patina. The practice of \"oyster\" veneering was a painstaking process used on only the finest pieces meant for the wealthiest clientele. In this process, paper-thin cross-sections cut from the roots and small branches of trees, their concentric rings resembling oyster shells, were laid side by side, producing a dramatic decorative effect. Elevated on bun feet, the chest's exceptional design also incorporates fine bronze pulls and locks. Comparatively few period examples of this quality and condition are available today, making this an exceptional find. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Though the reign of William and Mary lasted only a few short years, they ushered in a distinctive style of furniture and furniture making that still bears their name. Characterized by dramatic oyster wood veneers and distinctive cross banding, William and Mary furnishings represented a more refined way of living, replacing heavy and often cumbersome pieces of furniture from the previous decades.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1690 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 38\" wide x 22 1\/2\" deep x 36\" high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43893943435399,"sku":"31-6718","price":44500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-6718_1.png?v=1774942550"},{"product_id":"silver-gilt-chalice-and-paten-in-original-case-17th-century","title":"Silver-Gilt Chalice and Paten in Original Case, 17th-century","description":"Silver-Gilt Chalice and Paten\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1675 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This rare silver-gilt chalice and paten are remarkable examples of 17th-century German silver. Crafted in Augsburg, Germany, in a classical, elegant design, these items are the most important liturgical vessels, traditionally used during Catholic Mass to hold the sacramental wine and Eucharistic bread. Both the chalice and paten exhibit gilding in nearly perfect condition, and fit snugly into their original fitted embossed leather case. German silver from this time period is extremely rare. To find such beautifully preserved pieces, in their original case, is quite exceptional. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Chalice: 8 1\/8” high \u003cbr\u003e Paten: 5 3\/4” diameter\u003cbr\u003e Case: 9 3\/8” high x 7\" diameter\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43875308011655,"sku":"31-9382","price":22850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-9382_1_713dd1b0-50e3-4f23-8259-20761d9f6c5f.png?v=1792172797"},{"product_id":"17th-century-silver-tigerware-jug","title":"17th-Century Silver Tigerware Jug","description":"Tigerware Jug\u003cbr\u003e Hallmarked London, 1659 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, England witnessed a flourishing of artistic expression, particularly in the realm of silver. In England, sterling silver often served as a form of currency, and a monumental jug of this size would have been crafted for an exceptionally wealthy individual. Two events in English history greatly reduced the quantity of important Elizabethan silver. During the English Civil War (1642-1651), most of the exquisite silver items that once adorned the tables of the wealthy and graced royal courts were melted down either by the Cromwell forces or by Cromwell’s enemies to pay the mercenaries to fight the invader. The second event that destroyed most of the period silver was the great fire of London which took place in 1666. Today, surviving examples of Oliver Cromwell (d. 1658) English silverwork are among the rarest and most sought-after items, each one a museum-quality discovery. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This exceptional silver Tigerware jug in Elizabethan style embodies the rare elegance and meticulous craftsmanship that characterized English silver during the reign of Queen Elizabeth. The elaborate ornamentation and intricate designs of the strapwork are displayed in virtuosic form. Pioneered by influential artists like Cornelis Floris and Cornelis Bos, this artistic movement is evident in the jug's neck and cover, adorned with masks, fruit motifs and geometric patterns. The inclusion of the classical egg-and-dart motif on the cover's rim further elevates this object as one of the finest and rarest of its kind. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The jug was created during the tumultuous period following the failure of the Cromwell Protectorate and before the restoration of the monarchy in 1660. Charles II re-entered London on May 29, 1660, and was recognized as king. The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths commemorated this event by shifting the annual change of the date letter to May 29. The jug bears an unidentified maker’s mark, HN over a bird, recorded for items from 1656–1664, with the foot and cover marked by the lion passant denoting its manufacture in London and a date letter “B” for 1659–60. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 11 1\/4“ high x 6” wide x 5 1\/2“ deep \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Robert Llyod Inc., New York\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans\u003cbr\u003e Red McCombs Collection, Texas\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41898378428551,"sku":"31-9352","price":34500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-9352_1_ced35d8b-24ea-4638-94ce-7caaa762478a.png?v=1780146532"},{"product_id":"charles-ii-silver-tankard","title":"Charles II Silver Tankard","description":"Silver Tankard\u003cbr\u003e Marked IC\u003cbr\u003e Hallmarked London, 1680 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e During the 17th century, tankards were highly sought after as beer and ale were the primary alcoholic beverages. Tankards, along with cups, covers, flagons and tazzas, were typically displayed on sideboards in dining halls, where they glittered by candlelight in the evening. Drinks were poured by servants and kept on the sideboard until requested by diners, often accompanied by a toast to the host. Due to the elaborate presentation of food, such as cooked swans and decorated sheep and boar heads, the table had little room for displaying plateware. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This tankard is hallmarked with \"IC\" over a mullet in a lobed shield, along with the hallmarks for London silver from 1680-81. The initials \"DG\" and the date \"1680\" are engraved on the handle. Additionally, it bears the Arms of Horneby, possibly for Walter Horneby of Leicestershire, who donated a tankard dated 1683 to Emmanuel College, Cambridge. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The tankard features a deep border of repoussé acanthus leaves alternating with lotus leaves around its bottom. The S-scroll handle, made in two parts and soldered together to be hollow, is topped with intertwining dolphins on the thumbpiece. The stepped and flat-domed cover is chased with an inward spiral of acanthus leaves, adding to its aesthetic appeal. The tankard is in excellent condition, with the hallmarks located below the rim and the maker's mark also on the handle. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Charles II silver holds immense historical and artistic significance, epitomizing the opulence and grandeur of the Restoration era. Following the austere Commonwealth period, the return of Charles II in 1660 sparked a revival of luxurious craftsmanship. Silver items from this time, renowned for their intricate repoussé work and elaborate designs, symbolized the monarchy's restored splendor and the era's flourishing arts. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 7 1\/2“ high x 6\" wide x 9\" deep \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Private Collection, London\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans\u003cbr\u003e Red McCombs Collection, Texas\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41898355785863,"sku":"31-9344","price":22850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-9344_1_85af9eaa-1558-4bcb-8ef8-17c4caccfec2.png?v=1730881614"},{"product_id":"pair-of-charles-ii-silver-communion-cups-and-patens","title":"Pair of Charles II Silver Communion Cups and Patens","description":"These extremely rare 17th-century communion cups and patens were a part of the cherished communion plate at St. Alkmund's in Shrewsbury for over three centuries, embodying its rich and sacred history. The parish was likely founded in the 10th century by Queen Æthelflæd, daughter of King Alfred. These items were among their most important liturgical vessels, traditionally used to hold the Eucharistic bread and wine. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Crafted in the pre-Reformation style, these cups reflect a return to tradition during the Gothic Revival era. Their beautifully shaped knopped stems and matching patens exhibit the understated elegance favored by early English Protestants. The patens also function as covers, and each features a small hole at the center of the closed foot, suggesting previous mounting for display. Despite centuries of daily use, their condition remains remarkably preserved, a testament to the enduring resilience of silver and the lasting importance of these sacred vessels in religious practice and heritage. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Hallmarked \"HR\" London, 1683-84 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Cups: 8 3\/8\" high x 4 1\/4\" wide x 4 1\/4\" deep\u003cbr\u003e Patens: 1 1\/2\" high x 5\" wide x 5\" deep \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e St. Alkmund’s, Shrewsbury 1684-2008\u003cbr\u003e Sale, Christie’s London, 25 November 2008, lot 270\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans\u003cbr\u003e Red McCombs Collection, Texas\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43875311124615,"sku":"31-9384","price":28500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-9384_1.png?v=1792172818"},{"product_id":"17th-century-silver-caudle-cup","title":"17th-Century Silver Caudle Cup","description":"Caudle Cup\u003cbr\u003e Marked with a crowned \"DR\"\u003cbr\u003e Hallmarked London, 1667 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This finely crafted caudle cup epitomizes the luxurious refinement of the Charles II period. A masterful example of 17th-century silversmithing, the vessel is supremely decorated with the signature motifs of the era. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Caudle cups, also known as porringers or posset cups, were known during the reign of Henry VIII but gained substantial popularity during the reign of Charles II. They were often used to serve caudle—a nourishing mixture of warm ale or wine with bread or gruel, eggs, sugar and spices—and Queen Elizabeth I herself had several specially made for her personal use. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This exquisite example is chased with elaborate repoussé that forms beautiful Dutch foliate designs that are punctuated with rows of tiny stars. The cast handles all, styled as caryatids or small faces, complement the intricate body design, showcasing the fine artistry typical of caudle cups from this period. The present cup was part of the iconic Red McCombs collection, which has been highly publicized and studied. A similar example from 1660, crafted in silver gilt, is also housed at the Victoria and Albert Museum. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 3 5\/8“ high x 6 1\/2\" wide x 4 1\/2\" deep \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Private Collection, London\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans\u003cbr\u003e Red McCombs Collection, Texas\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43875280879751,"sku":"31-9351","price":5500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-9351_1_4af62078-67b3-485d-80cb-13730cd07054.png?v=1792172741"},{"product_id":"charles-ii-silver-mug-by-dorothy-grant","title":"Charles II Silver Mug by Dorothy Grant","description":"Silver Mug\u003cbr\u003e Dorothy Grant\u003cbr\u003e Hallmarked London, 1680 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This exceptional Charles II silver mug, created by Dorothy Grant, showcases the rare work of a female goldsmith in the late 17th century. The mug's distinctive bombe form, featuring a reeded cylindrical neck, was inspired by Chinese Yixing stoneware which influenced London styles during this period. Decorated with exquisite chinoiserie, the mug’s surface depicts exotic birds and delicate leaves that epitomize the imaginative blend of Eastern and Western aesthetics prevalent in the 1680s. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Visually, this mug is a striking combination of detailed flat-chasing and subtle matte textures. The elaborate chinoiserie decoration includes plumed birds, long feathered leaves and berries, with one bird holding a berry in its beak. A matte border with undulating puff-like peaks encircles the lower portion of the mug, adding texture and depth to the design. The bombe shape and reeded neck are balanced by these intricate designs, creating a harmonious and elegant work of art. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Dorothy Grant, the widow of William Grant, continued her husband’s craft after his death in 1677, a practice common among women goldsmiths of the time. She would go on to take two of her sons as apprentices, keeping the profession within the family. This item signifies Grant’s status as a goldsmith working independently, highlighting her role in London’s goldsmithing community. This particular mug is an extraordinary example of her craftsmanship, combining both artistic merit and historical significance. This mug was once part of the iconic Red McCombs Collection, which has been highly publicized and studied. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 3 3\/8\" high x 4 1\/2\" diameter \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans\u003cbr\u003e Red McCombs Collection, Texas\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans  \n","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43875201024135,"sku":"31-9199","price":7450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-9199_1_d35b3cab-fe52-41d3-85e5-2286f5d07d06.png?v=1792179753"},{"product_id":"17th-century-silver-paten-with-bacon-arms","title":"17th Century Silver Paten with Bacon Arms","description":"Paten\u003cbr\u003e Marked RT\u003cbr\u003e Hallmarked London, 1692  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This exceptional paten showcases an intriguing blend of Elizabethan style with 17th-century craftsmanship and historical symbolism. The paten is designed to be stored upside down on the communion cup, doubling as a cover, a traditional feature in Catholic Mass. The striking coat of arms it bears references the enduring legacy of the Bacon family, whose notable members include the renowned philosopher and statesman, Francis Bacon. The arms displayed on this item are notably similar to those on cups commissioned by Sir Nicholas Bacon in 1574 for his sons. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Visually, the paten features a short pedestal with a splayed rim, showcasing fine craftsmanship. The armorial engraving at the center is a complex and impressive composition, recalling the influence of the Bacon family’s prestigious legacy. The arms themselves are a combination of the Bacon quartered with Quapladde and impaling Butts, along with several other coats of arms, including those of Buers, Eversey, Gilpin or O’Malley and Reydne or Rowdon. The style of the engraving echoes the intricate designs found in Elizabethan silverwork. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The Bacon family, one of the most illustrious in English history, played an instrumental role in British politics and philosophy. Sir Nicholas Bacon, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal for Queen Elizabeth I, and his half-brother, the philosopher Francis Bacon, are key figures in the shaping of English governance and intellectual thought. The presence of their coat of arms on this paten not only serves as a reminder of their prominence but also reflects the enduring prominence of the Bacon family throughout British history. More recently, this paten was also part of the iconic Red McCombs collection, which has been highly publicized and studied. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 1 1\/2\" high x 6 1\/2\" diameter \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans\u003cbr\u003e Red McCombs Collection, Texas\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43875265216647,"sku":"31-9326","price":9850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-9326_1_bc5bf641-8bec-41ef-b81d-d5406700425c.png?v=1792172717"},{"product_id":"17th-century-silver-candle-snuffers","title":"17th-Century Silver Candle Snuffers","description":"Candle Snuffers or Scissors\u003cbr\u003e William Bainbridge\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1685 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This remarkable pair of 17th-century English candle scissors and snuffers exemplifies an elegant solution to a common candle maintenance challenge of the era. As beeswax was very expensive, everyday candles were typically made from tallow, a material prone to uneven burning. The wicks, crafted from tightly braided fibers, didn’t burn away, growing longer as the candle melted. These wicks would often curl back into the flame, extinguishing it. This required frequent trimming to maintain a steady light. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Candle scissors like these served to trim the wick, ensuring a steadier, more even burn. The small box attached to one of the blades collected trimmed wick remnants, while the longer blade’s pointed end was designed to skillfully uncurl the wick and remove charred portions. Additionally, these scissors could be used to snuff out the flame, functioning as candle snuffers. While most candle scissors were crafted from iron, brass or steel, more upscale households favored ornamental versions made of silver, such as this elegant pair. Surviving examples of 17th-century silver are extremely uncommon today, as much was melted down for materials. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This rare example, stamped six times with the initials \"WB,\" is attributed to William Bainbridge or Bambridge. Other candle scissors bearing this \"WB\" mark survive from the reign of James II. The scissor's compartment is elegantly engraved with a griffin’s head erased, a heraldic crest linking it to the noble Watson family, Earls of Rockingham—a lineage that dates back to the late 15th century and became extinct in 1746. Additionally, these scissors were a part of the prestigious Red McCombs collection, which has been highly publicized and studied. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 6 1\/2\" high x 2 1\/4\" wide x 1 1\/2\" deep \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Private collection of the Watson family, Rockingham\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans\u003cbr\u003e Red McCombs Collection, Texas\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43875285172359,"sku":"31-9360","price":4500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-9360_1.png?v=1792172756"},{"product_id":"renaissance-rock-crystal-and-gold-agnus-dei","title":"Renaissance Rock Crystal and Gold Agnus Dei","description":"Rock Crystal and Gold Agnus Dei\u003cbr\u003e Late 16th, early 17th century\u003cbr\u003e Case made in Milan\u003cbr\u003e Agnus Dei in wax from the Vatican \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Among the most significant religious artifacts of the Renaissance, the Agnus Dei medallion exemplifies the height of Catholic devotional culture. Believed to hold sacramental blessings and even miraculous power, these sacred wax objects were crafted from the melted remains of the Paschal candle used in Rome and personally blessed by the Pope. Their rarity was compounded by their fragility—few survived intact, making them among the most coveted religious items of their time. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This extraordinary example, dating from the late 16th to early 17th century, defied the odds of survival. Encased in its original rock crystal and gold setting, among the most luxurious materials available when it was made, the wax itself features subtle yet remarkably preserved imprints—an almost impossible feat given its delicate nature. It is the only known example outside of a museum, with possibly two others in institutional collections. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Made for a patron of exceptional wealth, this late Renaissance masterpiece marries religious significance with extraordinary craftsmanship. The oval rock crystal frame encases the wax Agnus Dei, encircled by exquisite gold mounting with black enamel detailing and twisted gold cord. Rock crystal caryatids shaped as dog heads with gold collars transition into female busts that curve into scrolls, resting on teardrop elements adorned with vibrant enamel. Two elegant gold scrolls wrap around back-to-back dog muzzles at the top, crowned by an enamel-decorated knob and suspension ring—creating a devotional object of unparalleled artistic refinement. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The fragile composition of Agnus Dei medallions meant that most were easily damaged—cracking, collecting dirt or crumbling over time. Their pristine whiteness held such sacred significance that in 1572, Pope Gregory XIII issued a Papal Bull forbidding any painting or embellishment; those who defied the decree risked excommunication. Beyond their fragility, the significance of these objects lay in their sacred origins. Starting in the late 16th century, they were exclusively produced by the Cistercians at the Church of Santa Pudenziana in Rome and consecrated by the Pope under strictly controlled conditions. This rare blessing took place only during the first Easter of a pontificate and every seventh year thereafter, making authentic, fully preserved examples like this one exceedingly scarce. Historical evidence suggests that in the intervening years, pilgrims received simpler tokens bearing only the Lamb of God impression, further elevating the importance of this piece to scholars. Most of these simpler tokens are now housed in museums. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e While esteemed institutions such as the British Museum and the Victoria \u0026amp; Albert Museum house similar examples, none rival the exceptional preservation and luxurious craftsmanship of this treasure. The wax remains fully intact, with its sacred iconography faded but discernible. The front of the medallion features the classic imagery of the Lamb of God, a symbol of Christ’s sacrifice, set against a domed shield adorned with an unidentified papal coat of arms. The inscription reads: \"ECCE. A. D. Q. T. P. M.\" (Ecce Agnus Dei qui tollit peccata mundi – \"Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world,\" John 1:29). On the reverse, a radiant bust of Christ faces left, his nimbus forming a geometric rhombus, accompanied by the inscription \"EGO SVM \/ DEVS N.\" \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 4 3\/4\" high x 3\" wide x 5\/8\" deep \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Sources:\u003cbr\u003e K. Tebbe, U. Timann, T. Eser et al., Nürnberger Goldschmiedekunst 1541-1868, 3 vol., Germanisches Nationalmuseum, Nuremberg, 2007.\u003cbr\u003e A. Lepoittevin, Picciolini, piccolini et piccioli. La fabrique romaine des Agnus Dei (1563-1700), Archives de sciences sociales des religions, 2018 (available online).","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42776618401927,"sku":"32-0581","price":49850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-0581_1_674911fb-1713-45a1-9c4a-34a15ba574e2.png?v=1749230814"},{"product_id":"17th-century-italian-marble-wall-fountain","title":"17th-Century Italian Marble Wall Fountain","description":"Italian Marble Wall Fountain\u003cbr\u003e Dated A.D. MDCLVII (1657) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This distinguished Italian marble wall fountain epitomizes the grandeur of the Baroque era. Carved from rose and gray-veined marble, it centers on a commanding lion’s head spout above a basin richly adorned with garlands and foliate motifs. The lion’s head, sculpted with exceptional detail, serves as the dramatic focal point, embodying the theatrical spirit and emotive force of Baroque art. Its central cartouche, inscribed \"A.D. MDCLVII\", dates the work to 1657, while the intricate ornamentation exemplifies the dynamic aesthetic that defined mid-17th-century design. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The Baroque period in Italy, particularly under papal Rome’s patronage, fostered an extraordinary flowering of fountain design. Artists and architects such as Bernini elevated these civic and private commissions to expressions of divine grandeur. Fountains like this one reflected both engineering prowess and artistic ambition, celebrating abundance, vitality and the triumph of design. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 65\" high x 28\" wide x 24\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43271116259463,"sku":"32-0133","price":38850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-0133_1.png?v=1792764750"},{"product_id":"william-and-mary-kingwood-veneered-and-gilt-brass-bound-strongbox","title":"William and Mary Kingwood\r\nVeneered and Gilt Brass Bound\r\nStrongbox","description":"Kingwood and Gilt Brass–Mounted Strongbox\u003cbr\u003e English, Circle of Gerrit Jensen\u003cbr\u003e Late 17th century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This exceptional late 17th-century strongbox exemplifies the highest level of luxury cabinetmaking in Northern Europe during the Restoration and William \u0026amp; Mary periods. Crafted in richly figured kingwood and walnut and mounted with elaborate gilt brass strapwork, the box reflects the elite tradition of secure storage furniture produced for aristocratic and courtly interiors. Closely related to documented examples by Gerrit Jensen, one of the most celebrated cabinetmakers of the era, it belongs to a rare group of strongboxes made for England’s most important houses. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The box is distinguished by its finely book-matched kingwood veneers, whose dramatic grain is framed and reinforced by bold gilt brass mounts terminating in fleur-de-lis motifs. The hinged lid opens to a plain interior, while a hinged fall-front panel reveals two concealed long drawers designed for safeguarding valuables and documents. Gerrit Jensen supplied luxury furniture to some of England’s most significant estates, including Ham House and Nostell Priory, and works attributed to his circle are preserved in leading institutional collections. Comparable strongboxes are held by the Victoria and Albert Museum. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 7 1\/2“ high x 12 wide x 7 1\/2” deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43888665133191,"sku":"32-1924","price":19850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-1924_1.png?v=1792604942"}],"url":"https:\/\/rauantiques.com\/collections\/10-26-17th-century-treasures.oembed","provider":"M.S. Rau","version":"1.0","type":"link"}