Attributed to Paolo and Giuseppe de Levis (active circa 1611-1630), Italian, Verona, early 17th century

D. Banzato, 'Considerazioni sulla lavorazione e la diffusione di modelli nelle botteghe del Briosco, del Vittoria e dei De Levis', in: M. Ceriana and V. Avery (eds.), L'industria artistica del bronzo del rinascimento a Venezia e nell'Italia settentrionale, Venice, 2007, pp. 179-86

Overall the condition of the bronze is very good. There is some minor wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There is rubbing and some minor nicks to the edges of the lid, vessel and underside of the legs consistent with handling. The lid is slightly warped.
"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."

Davide Banzato (op.cit.) attributes the present bronze bowl and cover to the De Levis workshop and specifically to Giuseppe de Levis's two sons Paolo (1572-1635) and Francesco (1573-1630), dating the piece to the late 16^th or early 17^th century. He compares the bowl to another signed by Giuseppe de Levis in the Vok collection with the same motifs of the handles in the form of dragons and compares the borders on the present bowl to foliate work on a crucible in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum signed by Paolo and Francesco de Levis.

Another version of the bowl without a cover was sold by Christie's London as lot 81 on 5^th December 1989 which also incorporated the foliate border with putti and masks, the dragon head handles and the coat of arms, there identified as probably the ducal arms of the De Castello family of Verona.