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A Rare Large German Turned Blonde Rhinoceros Horn Goblet.

Old smooth silky pale honey coloured patina.

17th Century.

Size:

15cm high, 12.5cm dia. - 6 ins high, 5 ins dia. 

Weight: 299 grams.

Provenance:    

Ex Belgian collection.

See: Finch & Co catalogue no. 9, item 12, and catalogue no. 10, item 128, for other examples.

A passionate collector of curiosities, the Emperor  Rudolf II of Prague (1552-1612) owned a collection of 13 turned rhinoceros horn drinking vessels, one of which, now in Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen, he had made himself. He believed them to be unique in having the magical ability to detect the presence of poison.

Goblets and wine cups made of rhinoceros horn became extremely popular amongst the Princely courts of Renaissance Europe, not only for their powers of detection, but because rhinoceros horn was also considered to be a powerful aphrodisiac, a belief that had already been held in the Middle East and Asia for centuries.

Dimensions

15cm high, 12.5cm dia.

Price on application





By appointment only

The BADA Standard

  • Since 1918, BADA has been the leading association for the antiques and fine art trade
  • Members are elected for their knowledge, integrity and quality of stock
  • Our clients are protected by BADA’s code of conduct
  • Our dealers’ membership is reviewed and renewed annually
  • Bada.org is a non-profit site: clients deal directly with members and they pay no hidden fees
Click here for more information on the BADA Standard