113 - Ivory statue depicting a wine merchant or a young winemaker

Ivory statue depicting a wine merchant or a young winemaker The figure is beautifully carved, particularly the face and the costume, which features inlays of red and blue semi-precious stones cut in the antique style The basket is made of metal, enameled both inside and out, as is the lid, which features beads imitating grapevines and chiseled detailing around the edge The merchant’s basket and staff are also crafted from metal with gemstones (including pearls, carnelian, and lapis lazuli) to imitate grapes and fruit The figure’s hat is made of green-enameled metal Finally, the base is made of chiseled and enameled metal, decorated with fruits, flowers, and interlacing patterns on a square lapis lazuli base with stone inlays. Austrian work from Vienna—circa 1870–1890 H. 24 cm Weight: 609 g Object containing ivory; CIC obtained on 10/16/2026. For any export outside the EU, a re-export document will be required and is the responsibility of the buyer Note: Beginning in the 18th century, southern Germany, northern Austria, and eastern Switzerland saw the development of a distinctive form of ivory craftsmanship: the creation of figurines. Most of these pieces are exceptionally delicate and depict traditional or folkloric characters. This craft enjoyed immense success throughout Europe and supplied the cabinets of curiosities, display cases, and tables of wealthy families. Over time, artisans sought to distinguish themselves from one another. Often, the base or the style of carving served to differentiate the sculptors. Beginning in the 1870s, figures inlaid with gemstones began to appear, in the style of Renaissance or Indian ivory carvings. This innovation was the work of a currently unknown artist who created various figures of merchants and market characters in Vienna between 1870 and 1890. Currently, there are about twenty such figures, depicting wine merchants, clockmakers, mayors, musicians, market vendors, night watchmen, and others. A distinctive feature of this work is the inlaying of semi-precious stones into the ivory, giving the sculpture a look reminiscent of the character Pierrot, who was very fashionable in the late 19th century. There are three models of winegrowers by the same artist, one of which is housed at the Medeiros Museum in Lisbon.