A rare Pair of large silver rose-water sprinklers, India, late 17th century

each of two component parts with a body of baluster form with splayed stepped foot, bulbous body and narrow tapering neck terminating in a floral finial, decorated with a repoussé frieze around the base and body of scrolling stems issuing lotus palmettes and buds, the shoulder with moulded fluted decoration rising to a floral openwork globular moulding, the neck with further scrolling stems emanating from a pineapple

both in good condition, minor surface abrasions and areas of patination, as viewed
"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 scrolling floral ornamentation is similar to the decoration around the rim of lot 210. These fleshy composite forms derive from the indigenous craftsman's interpretation of European botanicals that would have been in circulation during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The decoration of the base and the openwork moulding at the neck is similar to a silver rose-water sprinkler in the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, dated to the second quarter of the seventeenth century (see Dye 2001, p.401, no.174).