A LARGE FLEMISH BRONZE MORTAR
Lot 205

A LARGE FLEMISH BRONZE MORTAR

JAN VAN DEN GHEIN II, MALINES, CIRCA 1553

Closed22 September 2010

Price Realised

EUR 20,000

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A LARGE FLEMISH BRONZE MORTAR
JAN VAN DEN GHEIN II, MALINES, CIRCA 1553
The flaring rim inscribed IAN VAN DEN GHEIN HEFT MI GHEGOTEN INT IAER MCCCCCLIII, above a plain frieze and a double frieze decorated with the repeated motif of chimaera's holding a vase alternating with tendrils of flowers and flowervases
32 cm. high x 42 cm. diam.

Specialist note

The majority of Flemish mortars has been cast in the production centre of Malines, known for the skilled foundries making objects of high quality.
Jan II van den Ghein was a member of the Malines founders family Van den Ghein. He was the brother of Peeter van den Ghein I. The foundry of Jan II was based in Huis de Zwaen, Rue Haute in Malines. Jan II is recorded as being a founder since 1537, he died in 1573.

See also Wittop Koning II, p. 100-101. A closely related mortar by Peeter van den Ghein with similar decoration is illustrated, ill. 143.
Comparable literature, G. van Doorslaer, L'ancienne industrie du cuivre a Malines iv La fonderie du aliton et du bronze, Mechelen, 1922.