MAKER'S MARK F, UNRECORDED, AUGSBURG, 1580-1586

Recognized for its signature cylindrical body with slightly flaring rim and flat base, the Becherpokal (beaker cup) emerged as a popular form of standing cup in the second half of the 16th century. The majority of these cups and covers were made in Augsburg and Nuremberg, where goldsmiths specialized and excelled in the form. The characteristic chased strapwork observed on the present example should be compared to 1581 engraving of a Becherpokal by Bernhard Zan of Ansbach (active in Nuremberg in 1580-81), in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (E.2627-1917). A 1581 design for a beaker by Zan at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (34.27.3) depicts masks enclosed by strapwork and vases of flowers similar to those observed on the Zilkha cup. A gilt cup and cover by Heironimus Sailer, Augsburg, 1559-1586, sold Christie’s, Paris, 28 November 2018, lot 20, is remarkably similar to the Zilkha cup. Both are raised on domed circular bases, have knopped stems, bodies chased with strapwork enclosing masks and covers with finials formed as a knight with shield, although the Sailer example is significantly smaller at just over 10 inches high.

The engraved arms are likely those of Fugger and Wolkenstein. The Fugger family had been prominent figures in the Augsburg merchant and banking industries in Augsburg since 14th century; an elaborate piece of display plate, such as the present cup, would have been a commission fitting of the family’s standing.