Lot 366
  • 366

An ormolu and Blue John cassolette vase circa 1770, attributed to Matthew Boulton

Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
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Description

  • Ormolu and Blue John
  • 21cm. high; 8¼in.

Condition

Good overall condition. Minor wear to gilding.
"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."

Catalogue Note

The design for this cassolette vase conforms very closely to a drawing which survives among the papers of Matthew Boulton at the Birmingham City Library, Pattern Book 1, p.171 ( see illustration).

Matthew Boulton and his partner, John Fothergill, founded their metalwork factory in Soho near Birmingham in 1760s. The firm produced fine quality silver, Sheffield plate and ormolu ornaments and received commissions from King George III and Empress Catherine the Great of Russia amongst other notables. They frequently used Bluejohn in their ornaments. Vases accounted for he majority of the firm`s ormolu production, which also included inkstands, icepails, tripods, girnadoles and obelisks. 

A pair of similar vases are illustrated  in Nicholas Goodison, Matthew Boulton: Ormolu, London, 2002, pl.277, p.305.