A RARE MEISSEN FLASK AND STOPPER FROM A TOILET GARNITURE CIRCA 1740-45

of flattened baluster from, each side finely painted with a landscape scene depicting an elegant couple and a child by an obelisk and a stone sign, respectively, the burnished gilt sides reserved with floral devices between bands of scrolling foliage, the neck similarly decorated and reserved with two oval vignettes painted in purple camaïeu with similar scenes, with a gilt-metal mount and stopper. Slight wear to gilding.

The collection of The Viscount Astor, Cliveden, Taplow, Berkshire, sold Sotheby's, London, December 2, 2003, lot 78.

Some rubbing to enamels around widest part of body particularly to side not visible in the catalogue photo. Slight wear to gilding around shoulder.
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.

For a discussion of this type of flask and stopper, see Hermann Jedding, Eine Meissener Toilette-Garnitur in Scholls Glücksburg," in Keramos,  130/1990, pp. 3-15.