New treasures at the Ashmolean

A friend drew my attention this evening to the acquisition by the Ashmolean Museum of the collection of almost five hundred pieces of Renaissance silverware made by Michael Wellby who died last year. This spectacular bequest is described in this report, complete with photographs and a video link, from the BBC website.  The pieces will clearly become a "must see" when they go on display in the near future. Here are photographs of three of the most spectacular items in the gift:

Lapis lazuli bowl and cup

Portuguese royal ewer 1510-15

Images: BBC website