Hexagonal canister (Schraubflasche)

Art Historical Context

This exquisite hexagonal canister, known as a *Schraubflasche* (screw flask), crafted by Augsburg goldsmith Jonas Lam around 1650, exemplifies the pinnacle of 17th-century German metalwork. Standing at 9 inches tall, it is fashioned from silver gilt—silver coated with a thin layer of gold for a luxurious sheen—and adorned with vibrant enamel. Augsburg, a renowned center for silversmithing in the Holy Roman Empire, produced such ornate vessels for affluent patrons, blending functionality with opulent display. The canister's surface bursts with intricate enamel motifs of birds, fruit, and flowe...