A pair of Minton pâte-sur-pâte large vases: "Travelling Companions" 1885

finely decorated in white on a blue ground, by Marc Louis Solon, signed L. Solon, one with a continuous frieze of male and female nymphs riding on the backs of young men and women as they struggle over a rocky landscape filled with reptiles, their ankles dragging balls and chains; the other vase with the same nymphs assisting their companions to float with winged feet over a carpet of flowers amongst bubbles emanating from two cauldrons, all between richly colored and gilt brick-patterned borders, gilt printed factory mark, impressed MINTONS, year cypher and shape number 2076. Handle of one vase repaired.

Right hand vase in catalogue photos: The handle on the left has been broken off where it joins the body and poorly restored back on with some overpainting to the gilding and the ground in that area. This vase also has a 1/8 in. shallow chip to the rim on the side not visible in the catalogue photo. Both vases have areas of rubbing to the brick pattern of the gilding on the necks and both have small patches, generally less than 1/4 in. of flaking to the gilding on the handles and underside of the rim. Rubbing to the brick pattern is somewhat more noticeable on the vase with the damaged handle. The left vase has a 1 in. by 3/8 in. area of flaking to the gilding near the base of one handle.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A vase of this form, finished in 1886, is listed by Joan Jones, Minton: The First Two-Hundred Years of Design and Production, p. 338, in her list of titled pâte-sur-pâte ornamental ware by Solon, under the title 'Travelling Companions'.

A pair of vases of this shape, raised on square bases, was sold at Christie's, New York, October 24, 2006, lot 142.