Silver Cup, Rock Crystal, Enamels, Circa 1880

A polylobed rock crystal, silver, enamel, and vermeil cup on a foot, Austria, Vienna, circa 1880. Composed of nine rock crystal plaques (two missing) decorated with seahorses, lambrequins, birds, and baskets. The whole is decorated with polychrome enamels featuring enamel griffins, heads, Viking heads, fruit garlands, and lambrequins. Sixteen red stone cabochons are surrounded by enamel beads. The work is attributable to Karl Rossler or Hermann Bohm. Karl Rössler worked in Vienna in 1890 and was registered at various addresses until 1908. Like Hermann Ratzersdorfer, his enamel pieces and mounted crystal objects attracted attention at the Vienna World's Fair. Hermann Bohm, Grand Master of Viennese goldsmithing, active in Vienna from 1866, created a prestigious body of work directly inspired by the princely collections of Central Europe, such as that of Frederick Augustus II.