A Louis XVI ormolu-mounted alabaster vase late 18th century, possibly Italian

the domed lid with a pineapple finial, the cylindrical molded body with ormolu watery border flanked by ormolu ram's masks, the lower part centered by a Neptune mask incorporating a spout, on a circular socle.

Collection of Sir Philip Sassoon, Bt., London, 25 Park Lane, W1, recorded in the Dining Room in the pre-1927 inventory and in July 1939

Collection of  Sybil, Marquess of Cholmondeley, Houghton Hall, Norfolk, sold, Christie's, London, December 1, 2005, lot 85

 

Winter Antiques Show, January 18-27, 2008, New York

 

A fine alabaster vase with significant 20th century provenance, in excellent overall condition. With old expert restorations to the alabaster, some tarnish marks with oxidation to the mounts (which can be restored). General wear consistent with age.
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.

Sir Philip Sassoon, Bt. (1888-1939) was the eldest son of Aline de Rothschild and Edward Albert Sassoon, he did not marry.  His sister Sybil (1894-1989) married the Earl of Rocksavage in 1914, becoming Marchioness of Cholmondeley on her father-in-law's death in 1923.  Their mother Aline died young in 1909, the father could not recover from the loss of his wife and died in 1912, leaving Philip and Aline at the ages of 24 and 18 respectively. 

Upon the death of his father, Philip Sassoon became one of the richest young men in England.  He inherited a very substantial estate, including a number of properties, from his parents. His Rothschild grandparents who had also both died by 1912, bequeathed a large collection of their works of art to the young siblings.  It was at this time that Philip Sassoon was establishing himself in the house he owned at 25 Park Lane in London.  This vase was first recorded in the Dining Room at Park Lane in an inventory taken prior to 1927, and it was recorded there again in 1939 in an inventory taken after Philip's premature death at the age of 50.  Sybil inherited all of the objects and pictures which had been at 25 Park Lane in 1944 when the Estate was finally settled, with most of the pieces going to Houghton.  This vase remained at Houghton until sold by Lady Cholmondeley in 2005.

In the conclusion of his book on the brother and sister, Peter Stansky writes, " Both had added immensely to the quality of life of their century - in his case through society, political action and activity in the art world .. Sybil and Phlip were an extraordinary brother and sister, charming, extremely rich, living a life deeply dedicated to serving England, he in politics and in the arts, she as a Wren and fulfilling with great success the duties of her position ... in particular through her care of Houghton" (P. Stansky,  Sassoon, The Worlds of Philip and Sybil, New Haven, 2003, p. 268.