An Italian maiolica double-handled jar, circa 1520, Castelli

inscribed PASSULA (raisin).

Sotheby's, New York, January 12 and 15, 1991, lot 155

Lower third appears to have had cracks and breaks, partially visible under UV light, expertly restored. Foot reattached and other restorations, also expertly done. Visible hairline crack on reverse, about 3 inches long, and another on front through the figure of the woman. Otherwise small chips and abrasions.
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.

This jar is considered to be part of the Orsini-Colonna pharmacy vases, grouped by Rackham (op. cit.) and named for a large double-handled bottle painted with a bear, representing the Orsini family, embracing a column, representing the Colonna family. The present example is among only four known vessels bearing the arms of the Orsini family. A very similar double-handled jar also bearing this armorial device was formerly in the Alfred Pringsheim Collection in Munich and is now in the Lehman Collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (acc. no. 1975.1.1028).

RELATED LITERATURE
Bernard Rackham, Catalogue of Italian Maiolica, London, 1940, vol. I
Jörg Rasmussen, Italian Majolica in the Robert Lehman Collection, (exh. cat.), The Metropolitan Museum, New York, 1989, p. 88, no. 51