A PAIR OF ITALIAN MAIOLICA ARMORIAL WET DRUG JARS, MONTELUPO, CIRCA 1560 |

with mythical beast handles, painted with coats of arms of two stars, fesse and a fleur de lys, probably those of Stepazola of Verona, among grotteschi within robbiana bands on a ground of 'Persian palmettes',

One jar, both handles with curling tail section and pointed extremities restored. The body with a fine hairline crack extending from the base half way towards a handle. The other with restoration to both handles. The body with a crack, visible to the interior, with associated areas of over-paint and spray to the exterior.
"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."

Large pharmacy jars of this type were one of the most enduring forms in production at Montelupo. Examples were included in the set for the Pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella, Florence, painted with grotteschi and the arms of the Dominican Order; and the Pharmacy of the Convent of San Marco, Florence, with portrait medallions of Saints, a  jar from this set was sold, Sotheby's London, 21st February 1989, lot 17 and three further jars are illustrated in the Bargello collection catalogue, Museo Nazionale di Firenze, Florence 1971, nos 78, 83 and 85. A jar painted with the arms of the Cappuccini family was sold at Sotheby's Florence, 17th October 1969, lot 80; A further jar with an unidentified coat-of arms of two rampant lions and a crescent moon with similar grotteschi was sold at Sotheby's London, 23rd April 1974, lot 39 (both as Cafaggiolo.)