Milan, Italy

the dragon heads and the orbs associated and probably 19th century

The Dragon head arms and the cut orbs are associated and probably 19th century. There is dirt and wear to the rock crystal consistent with age. There are a series of restored breaks: including to the back where four main sections are reattached (one of these - triangular - is a replacement) and a larger reattached section on one of the sides of the bowl. Three of the cut orbs are lost and there are holes. There are some small losses to the edges, particularly to the back lip. There are some chips to the edges and various minor scratches. There are naturally occurring inclusions to the rock crystal. There is a hole to the bottom of the bowl. There is minor wear to the mount.
"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."

This elegant rock crystal cup follows in the celebrated Milanese tradition of hardstone carving, exemplified by works executed by the Miseroni family of lapidarians, as well as the Saracchi workshop, who were active in the second half of the 16th century and first half of the 17th century. Compare the rearing dragon head handles with those on a Milanese late 16th/ early 17th-century rock crystal pot à bouquet in the musée du Louvre, Paris (inv. no. MR 339). The scrolling arabesques, elaborated with dots, are typical of rock crystal carving from the period, whilst the shape is analagous to a Nef also in the Louvre attributed to the Miseroni workshop (inv. no. MR 276).