DESCRIPTION

Antique 19th Century rare and magnificent pair of German Solid Silver Caquesseitao Aquamaniles / monumental ewers, both heavily cast in the style of Renaissance mythological birds with dragon heads and scaly tails, the bodies are embossed with Mythological scenes, impressive talons resting on a domed circular base.

The Mythological "Caquesseitao", or ancestor of the devil, was probably a fruit bat but its description developed a recurrent theme found in Portuguese and Indo-Portuguese works of art, such as dragon-headed birds shaped aquamaniles, for a rare Portuguese example dating circa 1700's sold for over £150.000 please[ follow this](http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2013/orfevrerie-europeenne-boites-or-objets-vitrine/lot.242.html) link.

Both bases are Hallmarked German pseudo-marks used in Hanau, acid tested shows a 800+ standard, the marks are for J. D. Schleissner & Sohne, one of the most important silver manufacturers active in Hanau in the 19th century, specializing in producing high-quality exhibition pieces in the Renaissance and Baroque style.

CONDITION

In Excellent Condition - no damage.

SIZE

Height (each): 42cm

Width (each): 32.5 x 16cm

TOTAL SILVER WEIGHT: 5000g

REFERENCE NUMBER: A3576