A large pair of Mason's Ironstone two-handled vases and covers circa 1840

transfer-printed and coloured on the front and reverse with panels of pheasants perched amidst flowering branches, the sides with oriental river landscapes against a deep blue ground enamelled with yellow flower sprays, set with dragon handles beneath seated Chinaman knops

One vase has quite a number of shallow chips around the rim, the largest approx. 2½in. by 2in.Some typical wear to the gilding and minor wear to enamels. The other vase with three haircracks to the rim, the longest approx. 4in. Several shallow chips to the outside of the rim, the largest approx. 1½in. by ¾in. Typical wear to gilding and enamels. The wide rim of one cover has had several breaks which have been rivetted and sprayed. Minor chips to Chinaman finial. The other cover has rivetted repairs to the rim, a repaired section to the dome, approx. 6in. by 4in. and some restoration to the Chinaman.
"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."