A rare pair of turned pearwood and ground honestone (gesso) gaming counters or spielmarken South German, second quarter 16th century The fronts with moulded borders framing sculpted portrait reliefs of Ulrich Ehinger (c. 1490-1556) and Kunz von der Rosen (c. 1470-1519), the reverses with engraved titles HVLDERICH VS EHINGER and CONRADUS V ROSA, 3.3cm diameter approximately (2) Footnotes: Most likely intended for use as gaming counters, the deeply turned borders of each piece would have protected the delicate gesso portraits during play. Produced in sets, often numbering thirty-two in the manner of chess or draughts pieces, many examples have since become dispersed or lost. In the courts and elite households of Renaissance Europe, games of skill such as chess, draughts, trictrac and backgammon formed an important aspect of aristocratic leisure culture. While proficiency in such games was regarded as a sign of refinement and education, the possession of finely crafted gaming equipment was equally prized. As the popularity of these pastimes expanded during the 16th century, demand increased for luxurious boards and counters, particularly those produced in the renowned Southern German artistic centres of Augsburg and Nuremberg, as well as neighbouring Bohemia. Probably produced in Augsburg during the mid-16th century, these counters appear to draw inspiration from slightly earlier portrait medals by Friedrich Hagenauer and related artists. Portrait counters were commonly created in series and frequently borrowed imagery from contemporary medals, often depicting prominent rulers and court figures such as Charles V and his brother Ferdinand I. The manufacture of such counters required the collaboration of at least two highly specialised craftsmen: a turner who first shaped the wooden bases with their moulded deep borders, softening the wood through steaming in order to work it precisely on a lathe, and a second craftsman who carved the portrait reliefs separately and fixed them to the counters. Comparable examples are preserved in the Bayerisches Nationalmuseum, including a counter depicting Ulrich Ehinger (inv. R 451) and another portraying Kunz von der Rosen (inv. R 450). Similar gaming counters are also held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum (A.520-1910, A.518-1910, A.519-1910, A.516-1910, A.521-1910, A.417-1910, 699-1893 and A.515-1910). Ulrich Ehinger (c. 1490-1556) was a prominent merchant, banker and courtier from Ulm who served Emperor Charles V during the early 16th century. A member of the influential Ehinger banking family, he played a notable role in imperial finance and diplomacy, while also serving as a city councillor during the Reformation period. Remembered for his humanist education and extensive political connections, Ehinger exemplifies the close relationship between commerce and court politics in early modern Germany. Kunz von der Rosen (c. 1470-1519) was the celebrated court jester and trusted confidant of Emperor Maximilian I. Renowned for his wit and political insight, he occupied an unusual position within the imperial court, participating in diplomatic missions and appearing in satirical woodcuts and broadsheets that supported Maximilian's public image. His career reflects the distinctive intersection of entertainment, politics and statecraft during the Renaissance. Related Literature G. Himmelheber, 'Spiele, Gesellschaftsspiele aus einem Jahrtausend', Bayerisches Nationalmuseum, Munich, 1972. 'Spielwelten der Kunst - Kunstkammerspiel', exhibition catalogue, Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, 1998. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing