Silver Gilt Mounted Twin Handled Agate Bowl. German, Late 17th Century.

A silver gilt mounted twin handled agate bowl.

German, late 17th century.

Measures 9 x 6.3 x 2.5cm.

This delicately turned agate bowl, displaying elegant bands and warm hues of pink and orange, is mounted on a silver-gilt foot with finely pierced and engraved baroque scrollwork handles. A single, fine hairline crack extends from one handle toward the centre of the bowl, scarcely detracting from its visual appeal. A superb example of artificia, it perfectly complements a discerning Kunstkammer collection, where natural beauty is elevated through masterful craftsmanship.

In a Kunstkammer, or cabinet of curiosities, a turned agate bowl with elegant silver-gilt mounts would be classified as artificia—a man-made object that embodies both natural beauty and human craftsmanship. While the richly patterned agate celebrates the wonders of nature, the finely worked silver-gilt mounts elevate it into a work of art, showcasing technical skill and refined taste. Such an object exemplifies the Renaissance ideal of enhancing nature through art, where the artisan’s hand collaborates with the natural world to create something exceptional. It would have been prized not only for the rarity of its material but also for the sophistication of its design and execution.