A pair of Ashford marble, slate and hardstone inlaid ewers mid 19th century

Richard Ellis, Great Exhibition of the works of industry of all Nations 1851. Official Descriptive and illustrated catalogue, London, 1851, Volume II. p. 770.
The Art Journal Illustrated Catalogue: The Industry of all Nations 1851, London, 1851, p. 71.

An impressive pair with intricate inlaid decoration in reasonable conserved condition. Some discolouration to the surface, notably to the lip and handle of one, which could be improved on with a clean and a polish. There are restored chips and breaks to the lip, neck and handle (in two parts) of one. The other with a repaired chip to the socle. Overall with minor chips and scratches commensurate with age and use.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The misnomer 'Ashford Marble' refers to the hard limestone quarried in two quarries near Ashford-in-the-Water which is in turn polished to jet black lustre in the eponymous workshops. A vase of very similar form to the present lot was exhibited at the 1851 Great Exhibition by John Organ of Penzance with the same waved spout and swan-head handle. However, an almost identical ewer in the Buxton Museum with similar floral inlay confirms that these ewers originate from the Ashford Marble Works rather than Penzance.    

There is a pair of almost identical ewers in the collection of the Dukes of Devonshire, most probably acquired by William Spencer Cavendish, 6th Duke of Devonshire. Another similar ewer of almost identical form but with malachite inlay sold Property from the Estate of Neil Rimington (1928 - 2009) of Fonthill Old Abbey Estate Wiltshire, Christie's, London, 23 September 2010, lot 173.     

For more information on Ashford marble see the note for lot 170.