unknown artist unknown artist

Exhibited by Kunstkammer Georg Laue

Material Coconut, amber, coquille nut, fire-gilt silver, leather, fire-gilt copper, and ivory

Dimensions H. form 9 to 30 cm

Place of Creation German

Status Vetted

About the Work

Vessels made of rare, precious or exotic materials such as coconut, amber, ivory and fire-gilt silver were considered treasures in the Renaissance. They were valued not only for their rarity and exotic appearance, but also because some materials, such as coconut, were thought to have quasi-magical powers as remedies and protection against poisoning. As a result, these highly prized works of art were considered valuable collectors' items, and in the 16th and 17th centuries they found their way into the most prestigious Kunst- and Wunderkammer.

Literature

Jörg Hein: The Treasure Collection at Rosenborg Castle, 3 Bde., Kopenhagen 2009
Dirk Syndram / Claudia Brink, C. (ed.): The Dream of a King. Dresden’s Green Vault, Ausstellung im Museum of Islamic Art in Doha (Qatar), Munich 2011
Georg Laue: The Kunstkammer. Wonders are Collectable, Kunstkammer Edition, Vol. 1, Munich 2016
Georg Laue: Tresor. Treasures for European Kunstkammer, Munich 2017