Catalogue Description:
Silver-plated punch ladle, "Renaissance" pattern. Long straight handle, ovoid-shaped bowl with shaped spout at either side. Sides of bowl rise and curve inwardly forming a hollow cylinder at beginning of handle, capped by stepped convex and concave bands. A continuous twisted shaft surmounted by a two-faced hollow handle molded in high relief forms main part of handle. Decoration begins with short cylindrical section with diaper pattern in a square panel. Above this is centered animal hoof between scrolling acanthus leaves that rise symmetrically around an elongated shield that contains a vertical leafy garland against closely incised horizontal lines. This in turn is capped by a symmetrical garland of flowers and leaves centering an elongated oval decorated with fruits in high relief. A horned grotesque full-face mask in very high relief in turn surmounts this. The decoration on the reverse of the hollow handle is identical.
CONDITION: Very good, with normal wear, small dent in bowl, very light scratching.
