Italian, Trapani, 17th century

There is dirt and wear to the benitier consistent with age. The wiring is slightly loose in places and various small parts are missing or damaged, notably the flower-shaped coral and enamel ornament in the top right extremity and an ornament at the front of the basin. The copper of the top left extremity is tarnished.
"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."

Due to Trapani's favorable geographical position, the city was one of the principal European trading ports in the 17th and 18th centuries.  As such, the nobility, the bourgeois class and the clergy were prosperous.  Demand for high-quality work in coral, gold and precious stone was great and in 1628 the Arte dei Corallari, a guild of coral workers, was formed.  The detailed enamel and coral-work evident in present holy-water stoop are typical of the late-baroque style of Trapani. 

RELATED LITERATURE
M. C. Di Natale, Il corallo trapanese nei secoli XVI e XVII, Brescia, 2002