A HÖCHST DAMM EARTHENWARE GROUP OF 'DER JAHRESZEITEN' MID 19TH CENTURY

after a model by Johann Peter Melchior, with autumn as a couple with grapes, winter as a magic lantern carrier and a young boy, and spring as a young woman and boy holding flowers, all standing about a classical obelisk molded with cameos, and raised on a rockwork base, wheel mark in blue enamel. Some chips and restoration.

The urn at the top of the obelisk has been off and restored back. There is some slight rubbing to the gilding of the molded medallions on the obelisk. The dog has been off and restored back on. Winter's right hand and walking stick have been restored. The underside of the base has a number of long, glazed over, factory-filled, firing cracks, not apparent on the upperside of the base. Minor occasional flaking to the black and brown enamels. Several minor chips to the leaves of the grapes. The left thumb and index finger of the girl with the jug are restored.
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.

A group with a different central obelisk, but otherwise similar, is illustrated by Horst Reber, "Johann Peter Melchior in Höchst", Johann Peter Melchior 1747-1825, p. 66-67, no. 131.