bavarikon4USogenannter „Saphirpokal“, Hans Reimer, München 1563
Description
The cup, commissioned by Duke Albrecht V of Bavaria (reigned 1550-1579), is one of the 27 foundation pieces in the Munich Treasury. The surface of the goblet, which weighs more than five kilograms, is covered with white enamel in which fine leaf tendrils of the gold ground can be seen. The white enamel is contrasted by the plastic decoration with coloured enamel and the 36 large sapphires that glow blue. The statuette of a warrior in antique armour on the lid is holding a shield with a sapphire in the left hand and a sapphire cut finger ring from the possession of Duke Albrecht V's wife in its raised right hand.
The striking design in white and blue and the lion heads, which the fruit garlands are attached to, refer to the Bavarian coat of arms and thus to the client. The artisan Hans Reimer (died 1604), who immigrated from Schwerin, signed this masterpiece of goldsmithing on the foot with his monogram "HR" and the year 1563.