KOLLER VIEW 01/24

13 pre view. 02 1 2 Enamel from Limoges Preview of the Decorative Arts auction on 21 March 2024 A peristerium is a liturgical vessel crafted from metal, here in the form of a standing dove (ill. 1). Traditionally suspended above the altar in medieval churches, these vessels served the sacred purpose of housing the Eucharistic bread, the consecrated hosts. Encased within the body of the dove was a pyx, a specially designed container for this purpose. The dove symbolises the spirit of God, the hosts the body of Christ. Made in Limoges in southwest-central France, this Eucharistic dove exhibits meticulous craftsmanship, employing the champlevé process. The intricate coloured enamel inlays elevate this piece to a pinnacle of 13 th century artistry. The 21 March auction features approximately 250 pieces of antique cutlery of extraordinary quality and rarity which have been in the possession of the same family for over four generations. These exquisite knives, spoons, and forks date primarily from the 16 th to the 18 th centuries, and span regions such as Germany, the Baltic, England, France, Ita- ly, the Netherlands, and Austria-Hungary. With a lavish use of precious materials, distinctive decorations, and splendid iconographic references, they embody European table culture from the late Gothic to the late Rococo periods. For further information Decorative Arts Stephan Koller skoller@kollerauctions.com Online Catalogues www.kollerauctions.com 1 A rare Limoges enamel Eucharistic dove. First third 13 th century. 19.5 × 25 cm. Estimate: CHF 120 000/180 000 2 T wo Italian Renaissance knives engraved with musical notes. First half 16 th century. Estimate: CHF 15 000/25 000 each The collection, whose origins can be traced back to Berlin and its surroundings circa 1900, was recently rediscovered stored in unassuming cardboard boxes in the attic. Of note are the intricately carved figurative handles crafted from ivory, amber and boxwood, and two rare Italian Renais- sance knives from the 16 th century, each adorned with an engraved musical score (ill. 2). Rediscovered table culture Preview of the auction of a Private Collection of Antique Cutlery on 21 March 2024