A large pair of Italian ebonised, painted and parcel-gilded blackamoor jardinières 19th Century

each supporting on its back a stylised scallopshell on a tasselled cushion, dressed in a tunic on a rockwork base, on a square detachable plinth with projecting canted corners with scrolled corbels carved with a grotesque mask hung with drapery swags; restorations

Old minor marks, chips and scratches commensurate with age. Very attractive detail to carving. Some minor sections chipped off of stylised scallopshells, which are hardly noticeable. A nice feature is that the eyes are in mother-of-pearl. Some rubbing to the parcel-gilding as visible in the catalogue illustration. Some structural cracks in the plinths, which can either be left or filled. Monumental size and most impressive. In otherwise good condition.
"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 earliest blackamoor figures were carved in Venice after the defeat of the Turks in the late 17th century. Their popularity grew throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.

The present lot bears simularities in form and stance to a pair sold at Phillips, London, 6th February 1996, lot 120, and a pair, catalogued as 18th century sold Sotheby's, which were formerly in the Collection of Marcelo Fernandez Anchorena Esq., these rooms, 15th December 1961, lot 105 (£1700). The Anchorena pair (which were also featured in Sotheby's 1961 Review of the Year) have very similar architectural bases with scrolled brackets and festoons.