λ A fine and large late 19th century German carved ivory lidded tankard

λ A fine and large late 19th century German carved ivory lidded tankard, probably Erbach, the finial carved with a warrior on horseback about to throw his spear, above a leaf carved moulding, the body finely relief carved with a continuous classical battle scene, possibly the battle of Issus with Alexander the Great on horseback, the scroll handle carved with a bound captive and a lion's mask, 37.8cm high.

Provenance: From a distinguished naval family.

Count Franz I of Erbach-Erbach established a guild for ivory carvers in 1783 in the town of Erbach im Odenwald having discovered ivory carving during his visit to Vienna in 1769. Erbach became the 'Ivory Town', and by the end of the 19th century their fame as skilled ivory carvers was established as the 'Rose of Erbach' won an award at the 1873 World Fair in Vienna.