464. A 'VON HABSBURG DOUBLE-HEADED EAGLE' ENAMEL SHELL BASIN.

After a Portuguese silver shape, the scallop shell-shaped basin standing on three conical feet. Brightly decorated with dense floral designs and foliate scrollwork. The centre of the interior painted with The Crowned Double-Headed Eagle, a symbol of the Habsburg dynasty. 18th century, length c. 38 cm.

PROVENANCE:
In the collection of the von Habsburg family. By inheritance to Archduke Otto von Habsburg (1912-2011) and then to his daughter Countess Walburga von Habsburg Douglas (b. 1958).

NOTE:
The double-headed eagle symbolized the union of the imperial dignity of the Holy Roman Empire (the Habsburg empire) with the Spanish Monarchy.